DGMS Director Explains New Labour Codes at West Bokaro

Ajit Kumar, Director of Mines at the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), Ranchi, visited the Quarry AB mine at Tata Steel’s West Bokaro Division on Wednesday to raise awareness about the Government of India’s new labour codes among contractor and temporary workers.

The visit focused on ensuring that workers engaged in mining operations understand their statutory rights and the benefits introduced under the recent labour reforms.

Direct Interaction with Workforce

During the visit, Ajit Kumar interacted with employees in the presence of Raj Ankur, Chief of Quarry AB, West Bokaro Division. The session included a detailed briefing on how the new labour codes seek to standardise wage structures, expand social security coverage and strengthen welfare safeguards.

Workers were encouraged to raise queries and seek clarity on provisions that directly affect their employment conditions.

Key Provisions Explained

Officials outlined several important features of the new labour framework:

• Guaranteed Minimum Wages: Ensuring fair and standardised pay across sectors and categories of employment.
• Enhanced Medical and Welfare Access: Improved linkage to healthcare facilities, including coverage under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
• Strengthened Statutory Benefits: Updated norms related to gratuity and long-term welfare funds aimed at improving financial security.

Ajit Kumar emphasised that the success of the new labour codes depends on awareness at the grassroots level. He urged workers to understand their entitlements and make informed use of available benefits.

Commitment to Worker Welfare

Informative pamphlets detailing the new provisions were distributed during the session. The initiative reflects joint efforts by DGMS and Tata Steel to promote compliance with national labour mandates while reinforcing worker welfare standards at the West Bokaro Division.

With mining playing a critical role in Jharkhand’s industrial landscape, such outreach programmes are seen as essential to ensuring that legislative reforms translate into real improvements on the ground.