Historic Shift: Women Enter Mining Sector in Record Numbers
The mining landscape in Jharkhand is undergoing a remarkable transformation as women's participation has seen unprecedented growth across both opencast and underground mining operations. According to Ujjawal Tah, Director General of Mines Safety (DGMS), this positive trend has been accelerating since 2019, marking a significant milestone in gender inclusion within one of India's most traditional industries.
Staggering Growth Numbers Revealed
The statistical evidence presented by DGMS showcases an extraordinary journey of women's empowerment in mining. The number of women employed in opencast mines has skyrocketed from just 64 in 2020 to an impressive 442, demonstrating a nearly seven-fold increase within a relatively short timeframe. Similarly, underground mining operations, which were historically considered male-dominated domains, have witnessed women's participation grow from 20 to 178 workers during the same period.
DGMS Initiatives and Safety Measures
Speaking at the "Women in Mining" conclave organized by Tata Steel under DGMS guidance, Tah emphasized the regulatory body's commitment to ensuring women's safety and gathering their feedback about occupational environments. Several regulations are now firmly in place to protect women mine workers, including the crucial practice of working in groups rather than in isolation. The implementation of four labour codes has further opened new opportunities for women in the sector, with plans underway to popularize these codes among mine workers.
The conclave itself represented a significant milestone following the recent labour law reform through the Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code. This progressive legislation enables women to work in both underground and opencast mines, serving as a catalyst for mining companies across India to accelerate gender diversity and integrate women into operational roles that were historically dominated by men.
Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration for Inclusive Growth
The gathering brought together regulatory authorities, mining industry leaders, women mining professionals, and various stakeholders to discuss the evolving landscape of gender inclusion. Participants addressed contemporary topics including gender-inclusive mining policies, leadership roles for women, reskilling initiatives, safe workplaces, and breaking stereotypes in mining careers.
Industry leaders emphasized the critical importance of creating an enabling ecosystem that encourages more women and people from diverse genders to join mining. Tata Steel reaffirmed its commitment to fostering inclusive, equitable, and future-ready mining operations, signaling strong corporate support for this transformative movement.
The event saw participation from key officials including Deputy DGs Dr. Shyam Sundar Prasad and Vir Pratap Singh, Director of Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited Shankar Nagachari, General Manager of Coal Tata Steel Sanjay Rajoria, among several other dignitaries who collectively championed this progressive change in India's mining sector.
