The government in February this year scrapped 60-year-old Section 46 of the Mines Act 1952 that imposed restrictions on women’s employment in mines in February. The Act placed restrictions on women from working night shifts in surface mines have also been removed. As a result now women can work in underground mines as well.
Implementing and practicing in a first after since the amendments, Tata Steel has deployed women mining engineers at its Noamundi mine in Jharkhand in all shifts. As per the media reports, the company has recruited 10 women officers from across disciplines including mining, electrical, mechanical and mineral processing.
“Tata Steel is the first company in India to deploy women in all shifts in mines; and OMQ (Ore, Mines & Quarries) division becomes the first division in Tata Steel to deploy women in all shifts with effect from September 1, 2019,” Tata Steel spokesperson said as quoted.
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Fifty-two women employees were deployed at its coke plant and electrical repair shop floor in shifts ‘A’ and ‘B’ between 6 am and 10 pm through the week.
The company has created an ecosystem in and around the mines to make it friendly for women workers. This includes deployment of women security personnel, transport services, female drivers, CCTVs and GPS trackers in the vehicles, rest rooms, sanitary napkin vending machines, etc.
The company is also adhering to the rule of not less than three women in a shift and obtaining the written consent of the concerned employees.
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