Why in news?
The Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) marked its 125th foundation day with commemorative events and a workshop titled “Safe Miner, Strong Nation.” Officials highlighted achievements in improving miners’ welfare and reducing fatalities over the past century.
Background
The DGMS traces its origins to the Bureau of Mines Inspection, set up in 1902 under colonial rule to enforce safety in coal mines. It later became the Department of Mines (1904), moved its headquarters to Dhanbad in 1908 and was re‑designated as the Directorate General of Mines Safety in 1967. Operating under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the DGMS enforces the Mines Act, 1952 and associated regulations to ensure safe and healthy working conditions in coal, metalliferous and oil mines across India.
Roles and activities
- Inspections and monitoring: DGMS officers conduct regular inspections of mines to check compliance with safety standards. They investigate accidents, issue directions and prosecute violations where necessary.
- Technical approvals: The directorate grants permissions for the design of mine layouts, ventilation systems, explosive use and machinery deployment to minimise risks.
- Standards and legislation: DGMS drafts and updates mining regulations and standards covering topics such as strata control, mine gases, electrical safety and occupational health.
- Training and awareness: It organises training programmes, safety weeks and competitions to promote a culture of safety among workers and mine managers.
- Research and innovation: The agency collaborates with research institutions to adopt new technologies—such as remote sensing, gas monitoring and digital record‑keeping—to prevent accidents.
Achievements
- Declining fatality rates: Fatality rates in coal mines have fallen dramatically over the decades, from about 0.93 per thousand employees in the early 1950s to around 0.12 by the 2020s. Similar improvements have been observed in non‑coal mines.
- Strengthened legislation: Amendments to the Mines Act and the introduction of new regulations—such as those governing rescue operations and occupational diseases—have enhanced worker protection.
- Focus on small mines: Special campaigns target small‑scale and unorganised mines where safety practices are often weak, raising awareness among owners and workers.
Conclusion
By marking its 125th anniversary, the DGMS reaffirms its commitment to ensuring safe, humane and healthy conditions in India’s mining industry. Ongoing modernisation of regulations and increased emphasis on training will be vital to sustain progress amid expanding mineral exploration.
Sources: PIB
