President Ramnath Kovind has asked mining companies to make a policy for welfare of labourers and their families. Giving away the National Safety Awards (Mines)-2013 and 2014 in New Delhi today, Mr Kovind asked them to put in place world class safety measures in mines for prevention of accidents in mines.
He said safety of people should be accorded top most priority. He said, the mineral sector contributes 2.6 per cent of country’s GDP and provides direct employment to over 10 lakh people on a daily basis.
The President said, in recent decade, the country’s mining industry has progressed appreciably in production and productivity through intensive machination and adoption of new technology.
He said that he was confident that the National Safety Awards in Mines will continue to be an excellent motivator for upholding safety and welfare standards in the mines of the country.
He also said, the balance between greater productivity and profit margins and the safety of workers is vital. Mr Kovind said it should be borne in mind that mining does not result in degradation of environment.
37 winner prizes and 34 runner-up prizes were given to the winning mines. The award for each mine is received jointly by one management representative and one workers’ representative. The awards were given for the first time in 1984 for the contest years 1982 and 1983.