Soren expresses concern over increase in coal mine accidents

New Delhi, May 9 (UNI) Coal Minister Shibu Soren today urged the public as well as private sector coal companies to improve their safety standards, while increasing coal production to meet its growing demand.

Addressing the 28th meeting of the Standing Committee on Safety in Coal Mines, the Miniser emphasised the need for safety education and training of employees to develop the required knowledge, skill and ability.

Mr Soren said, though the coal sector has made significant strides in improving safety status in coal mines over the years, a further improvement of the system was needed to curb our coal mine accidents.

The Minister also expressed concern over the increase in accidents in the year 2005, due to human failure. He requested the committee to go into the reasons of each accident and come out with appropriate suggestions to prevent them.

He said ''unless our mines and miners remain totally safe'' it is difficult to reach our goal of increasing production. He stressed on improvement in technology and equipment, harnessing skills of labourers, bringing in efficiency and inculcating a sense of responsibility towards safety.

The Minister urged the coal companies to make adequate budget provisions and ensure full utilisation of the safety budget.

The meeting was attended among others by the Minister of State for Coal Dr Dasari Narayana Rao, Secretary Coal H C Gupta, CMDs of public and private sector companies and representatives of trade unions attended the meeting.

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