Big Boost for Coal Workers: New Insurance and Uniforms Announced
In a major move to support coal industry workers, Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy unveiled exciting welfare schemes on Friday in Ranchi. These include better insurance coverage and a first-ever uniform dress code for employees, aiming to boost safety and dignity in the sector.
Starting September 17 – a special day marking Vishwakarma Puja and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday – all regular employees at Coal India mines will enjoy an extra Rs 1 crore insurance benefit. This comes on top of existing covers, making sure families get strong financial support in tough times.
Contract workers aren’t left out either. They will now get up to Rs 40 lakh in insurance protection. Plus, the ex-gratia payment for regular staff has jumped from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 25 lakh, showing the government’s commitment to worker welfare.
Minister Reddy highlighted a game-changer: "For the first time since independence, we’re rolling out a uniform dress code across all coal mines. This will give our hardworking employees a sense of pride and identity. Coal India will provide these uniforms free of charge, and even officials will wear them."
Shifting to broader achievements, Reddy praised the Modi government’s push in the coal sector. India has hit a historic milestone by producing over one billion tonnes of coal for the first time, with Jharkhand playing a key role. Last financial year, the country saved a whopping Rs 60,000 crore in foreign exchange by cutting down on coal imports – a smart step towards self-reliance.
But it’s not just about coal. The minister emphasized the focus on critical minerals too. "We’ve launched the National Critical Minerals Mission with Rs 32,000 crore to boost exploration and cut import dependence," he said. India has already inked deals with countries like Argentina and Zambia for lithium and other vital resources.
With 74% of India’s energy still powered by thermal sources, energy security tops the agenda. At the same time, the government is ramping up green and solar energy initiatives while securing minerals essential for steel, cement, and other industries. These steps promise a balanced future for India’s energy needs.
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