Minister assures to usher in safety mining conditions

New Delhi, Dec 15 (UNI) The Centre is seriously considering a proposal to order judicial inquiries into all accidents in mines in the future, Minister of State for Coal Dasari Narayana Rao told the Lok Sabha today.

Replying to a calling attention on the death of 50 people in a major accident at Nagda mine of Bhatdih Colliery of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) in Jharkhand on September 6 this year, he said it was under active consideration of his ministry to get all future mine-related accidents inquired by judicial commission.

He, however, assured that the government and coal and lignite PSUs were determined to ensure safe mining conditions.

The calling attention was moved by CPI(M) member Bhubaneshwar Prasad Mehta.

The minister said the CMD of BCCL had ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident and the committee was expected to submit its report next month.

Besides this, a court of inquiry had also been constituted by the Ministry of Labour and Employment. This report was also expected next month.

Dr Rao said the dependents of each of the 50 deceased people would get compensation ranging from Rs 8.78 lakhs to 11.06 lakhs.

Employment had already been provided to 48 dependents of the deceased workmen.

A dependent woman had opted for monetary compensation of Rs 4,000 per month till she attains the age of 60 years and one widow would be offered employment pending authenticity of her claim.

He said Secretary (Coal) reviewed the safety status of coal mines in the wake of the Nagda mine accident and issued instructions to all CMDs of Coal India Limited and its subsidiaries, Singareni Collieries Company Limited and Neyveli Lignite Corporation to focus on the need to inculcate a culture of safety at all levels across all operations in the coal companies.

Dr Rao said the accident prima facie appeared to be an explosion in 17th No. Incline, Mahuda bottom sea where Board and Pillar system of mining and depillaring with stand stowing was in progress.

UNI SH MSJ DB1514