Sweeping labor reforms are poised to uplift mine workers’ lives, as revealed by the Union Minister. Focusing on social security, the codes address the gritty realities of underground toil and open-pit hazards.
The Social Security Code is the star, folding informal miners into formal schemes. Expect ESI hospitals near mine sites, portable pension accounts, and dependent benefits. For the first time, homeguards and surveyors in mining get recognition as ’employees.’
The minister stressed inclusivity: Aadhaar-linked IDs will streamline enrollments, cutting bureaucratic delays. Gig miners using apps for subcontracts enter the fold too. Backed by Rs 50,000 crore allocations, the rollout targets full coverage by 2026.
Occupational safety norms evolve with international benchmarks – think IoT sensors for gas leaks and AI-driven collapse predictions. Worker welfare boards at district levels will oversee fund utilization transparently.
Challenges ahead include employer resistance and skill mismatches. Capacity-building via ITIs and NSDC partnerships is underway. Voices from the ground – like those of Odisha’s iron ore diggers – echo demands for wage parity alongside security.
Economically, healthier miners mean fewer strikes and higher output. With India’s mineral exports eyeing $100 billion, these codes blend welfare with wealth creation. The minister’s vision: a mining sector where no worker fears tomorrow.