Four labour codes in the interest of workers; health check-up every year and gratuity right within one year

Angul : In reference to the new labour laws of the Government of India, an awareness camp was organized at Balaram OCP under the Hingula Area of Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL). The camp was conducted under the leadership of the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), Bhubaneswar Regional Office-01.

During the camp, Mine Safety Director A.K. Mishra and Deputy Director T. Hariprasad from DGMS Bhubaneswar were mainly present. Along with them, officers and employees of Hingula Area and Balaram OCP, union representatives, and representatives of outsourcing companies also participated.

Officials stated that the new labour laws have been framed in the interest of workers. They explained that under the new laws, both female and male workers have been given equal opportunities to work day and night. Changes have also been made in health examination provisions—now workers’ medical check-ups have been made mandatory every year instead of once in five years.

Similarly, amendments have been made regarding gratuity provisions, granting the right to gratuity after just one year of service. In addition, provisions have been included in the new labour laws to provide appointment letters to contract workers.

During the program, workers were given detailed information about other provisions related to the laws, and their queries were answered. On this occasion, more than 180 contract mining workers working in Bhubaneswar OCP and Balaram OCP were present.

The program was chaired by Mine Safety Director A.K. Mishra and Deputy Director T. Hariprasad. Project Officer M. Venkatesan, Project Manager R.K. Behera, Safety Officer S.K. Patel, Project Engineer (Mining) Shasham Alam, along with other officials of Balaram OCP and contractor representatives, were also present.