Coal Mine Workers to Receive Dress Code and Enhanced Insurance Cover of Rs 1 Crore from September 17: Union Minister Kishan Reddy

Ranchi – Union Coal and Mining Minister G. Kishan Reddy has unveiled a series of major welfare initiatives for workers in India’s coal mining sector. These include the introduction of a uniform dress code for the first time since independence and a significant enhancement in insurance cover for both regular and contractual workers.

Speaking at a press conference in Ranchi on Friday, the Minister stated that starting September 17 — a date marking both Vishwakarma Puja and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday — all regular employees of Coal India Limited will become eligible for an additional insurance cover worth Rs 1 crore.

The Minister further clarified that contractual workers will not be left out, as they too will receive an insurance cover of up to Rs 40 lakh. At the same time, the ex gratia payment for regular employees has been increased from the earlier Rs 15 lakh to Rs 25 lakh.

“For the first time since the country attained independence, we are bringing in a uniform dress code for coal mine workers. This step will provide a sense of identity, dignity, and respect to every employee working in the coal sector. Coal India will supply these uniforms not only to its workers but also to its officials,” said Reddy.

The Minister also highlighted the Modi government’s performance in the coal sector, stating that India’s coal production has for the first time surpassed one billion tonnes. He emphasized Jharkhand’s crucial role in achieving this milestone. According to him, coal import reduction in the last financial year resulted in foreign exchange savings of Rs 60,000 crore.

Reddy added that the government is widening its focus beyond coal and is equally committed to critical minerals. He spoke about the National Critical Minerals Mission, which has been allocated a budget of about Rs 32,000 crore to accelerate exploration and reduce dependence on imports. India, he said, has already entered into agreements with countries like Argentina and Zambia for resources such as lithium.

He underlined that with 74 percent of India’s energy supply still dependent on thermal power, ensuring energy security remains the government’s foremost priority. Simultaneously, steps are being taken to promote renewable energy, including solar and green energy, alongside securing key minerals for steel, cement, and other essential industries.

With inputs from IANS