Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS)

The Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) recently celebrated its 125th Foundation Day at its headquarters in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, marking over a century of regulatory oversight in mine safety in India.

About Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS)

The DGMS is the regulatory authority under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, responsible for matters relating to occupational safety, health, and welfare of persons employed in mines.

It is headquartered in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, and is headed by the Director-General of Mines Safety.

Historical Evolution

The origin of the DGMS can be traced back to 7 January 1902, when the Government of India established the Bureau of Mines Inspection at Calcutta to administer the provisions of the Indian Mines Act, 1901.

In 1904, the organisation was renamed the Department of Mines, and in 1908, its headquarters were shifted to Dhanbad.

On 1 January 1960, it was redesignated as the Office of the Chief Inspector of Mines. Subsequently, on 1 May 1967, the organisation acquired its present name, the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS).

Mission and Objectives

The mission of the DGMS is to continuously improve safety, health standards, and welfare practices in the mining industry and the upstream petroleum sector.

This is achieved through:

• Proactive safety and health strategies

• Continuous improvement of regulatory processes

• Effective utilisation of resources

• Professional conduct and commitment of personnel

Constitutional and Legal Framework

Under the Constitution of India, the safety, health, and welfare of workers employed in mines fall under the jurisdiction of the Central Government, as per Entry 55 of the Union List (Article 246).

The regulatory framework governing mine safety is provided by the Mines Act, 1952, along with the Rules and Regulations framed under it, all of which are administered and enforced by the DGMS.