Labour ministry proposes board of vocational training for mine workers

Labour ministry has suggested setting up of a board of vocational training for training of mine workers as part of the draft mines vocational training rules, 2019. These rules, when effective, will supersede the Mines Vocational Training Rules, 1966.

As per the proposal, the board shall consists of the chief inspector of mines, who shall be its chairperson, three members possessing technical qualification in mining or petroleum engineering and having at least twenty years’ practical experience, one each in coal mines, metal mines, and oil mines to represent each sector appointed by the central government.

Besides, it will have two members to be appointed by central government possessing technical qualifications in electrical engineering or mechanical engineering or allied engineering and having at least twenty years of practical experience in mines along with two members to be appointed by central government serving in human resource organization and imparting training in different trades of engineering and having at least fifteen years’ of experience serving in such organisation, or serving in an institution imparting education in mining or petroleum engineering at the degree or equivalent level and having twenty years’ of experience.

“Every member, other than the chairperson, of the board shall hold office for a period of three years from the date of the notification appointing him a member of the board, or until his successor is appointed and takes charge, whichever is later,” it said.

The draft proposes that these rules shall apply to all persons employed or to be employed in a mine and shall apply to every mine under the Mines Act, 1952.

Labour ministry has sought opinion from all stakeholders on the draft rules over next three months following which these rules will be notified. However, they would be effective a year later after final notification, it said.