Welfare schemes for mine workers: President

President lays emphasis on the living conditions of coal miners which can be improved by providing basic facilities such as housing, water supply, medical accidents and education.

Emphasising on the need to improve the living conditions of mine workers, President Pratibha Patil on Tuesday favoured welfare schemes that provide financial security, health related care, housing and shelter for those disabled or injured in mining operations.

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"Given its hazardous nature, despite safeguards, accidents happen and often result in the loss of life or limb of persons engaged in mining," Patil said after giving away the National Safety Awards (Mines).

Living conditions of coal miners can be improved by providing and improving basic facilities such as housing, water supply, medical accidents and education, she said.

The President said women engaged in the mining sector should get their due care and gender-sensitive approaches should be adopted towards this end.

"I strongly believe that the mining fraternity in our country -- industry, government, business, academics or research -- is ready to take up the challenge and manage such changes responsibly to make the mining sector a secure work place as well as a powerful driver of growth," she said.

She praised the Indian mining industry for achieving considerable progress in production and productivity.

The awards were given away for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006. The winners included Bhetaland Amalgamated Colliery Tata Iron and Steel, Maheshpur Colliery Bharat Coking Coal Ltd, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation in the category of oil mines and other companies like Mysore Cements Ltd and J K Minerals.