Directorate General of Mines Safety

Stamp of India - 2002 on 100 years of Directorate General of Mines Safety.

Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) is the regulatory agency under the Ministry of Labour and Employment in the Government of India, which is responsible for the safety, health, and welfare of workers in the mining industry in India. The DGMS ensures the enforcement of the Mines Act, 1952, and the rules and regulations framed thereunder.

History

The history of mine safety in India dates back to the late 19th century. The first legislation related to mine safety was the Mines Act of 1901. Over the years, the legislation has been amended and expanded to increase its scope and effectiveness. The Directorate General of Mines Safety was formally established to oversee and enforce these laws, ensuring that mining operations in India adhere to strict safety standards.

Functions

The primary functions of the DGMS include:

• Inspecting mines to ensure compliance with safety and health standards.
• Investigating accidents and dangerous occurrences in mines to determine causes and to suggest improvements.
• Conducting examinations and issuing competency certificates to mine managers, overmen, sirdars, shot-firers, and other key personnel in the mining industry.
• Advising the government on the formulation of safety and health policies in the mining sector.
• Promoting awareness and education regarding safety practices in mining operations.

Regulatory Framework

The regulatory framework under which the DGMS operates includes the Mines Act, 1952, and several other rules and regulations, including:

• The Coal Mines Regulations, 2017
• The Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 1961
• The Mines Rescue Rules, 1985
• The Mines Vocational Training Rules, 1966
• The Mines Creche Rules, 1966

These regulations cover various aspects of mining operations, from the construction of mines to the health and welfare of the miners.

Challenges

Despite stringent regulations, the mining industry in India faces several challenges in terms of safety and health. These include:

• Illegal mining activities that often disregard safety norms.
• The use of outdated technology and equipment in some mines.
• A lack of awareness and training among workers regarding safety practices.

Initiatives

To address these challenges, the DGMS has undertaken several initiatives, including:

• The introduction of online systems for the submission and processing of applications for permissions, examinations, and complaints.
• Organizing safety weeks and campaigns to raise awareness about mine safety.
• Collaborating with international agencies and organizations to adopt best practices in mine safety and health.

See Also

• Mining in India
• Occupational Safety and Health
• Ministry of Labour and Employment (India)