COIMBATORE | May 11, 2015: For the first time since the inception of the course in 1987, Anna University will be allowing girls to seek admission in mining engineering. Female candidates can now seek admission into the course through the single-window counselling for undergraduate courses that is likely to be held on July 1.

Anna University, Chennai offers around 50 undergraduate courses, and it was only in mining and marine engineering, in which girls were barred from applying for admission. According to a professor of Anna University, some girls had demanded seats in mining engineering and after some consideration, the university will allow admissions from this academic year.

However, the university has mentioned some conditions under the Mines Act, 1952 which says that women would not be allowed to work in any underground mines, and would be allowed work on opencast mines between 6am and 7pm. Also, restrictions under Coal Mines Regulations, 1957, would be imposed on women seeking admission in mining engineering. The regulation says, no adolescent or women shall descent or ascend a shaft in a cage or other means of conveyance unless accompanied by one or more adult males.

Professor and head, department of mining, Anna University, K Srinivas said that the decision opens doors for women in the mining sector. "However, the opportunities for women would not be on a par with men. Yet, they can always find a job in the planning department of companies or in opencast mines," said Srinivas. The Mines Act prevents female candidates from working in underground mines, but women can always explore opportunities in opencast mines, Srinivas said.

For a person to become a manager of mines, one has to undergo training in the mines. "If a candidate has one year training in opencast/underground mines, he/she can become eligible for a manager of a small mine. And, if a candidate has three years training, he/she is eligible to appear for the exam," said Srinivas. "Those clearing this exam are eligible to become managers of large mines," he added.

When asked about placement opportunities in the department, Srinivas said, "Except for 2013-14 and 2014-15, placements have been excellent in our department. Once coal blocks are allocated, we expect a boost in placements," said Srinivas. A student placed in a private sector gets between 3.5lakh and 6lakh, after a training of six months, while in the public sector, pay can be as high as 7.5lakh.

However, educational consultant J P Gandhi said, "Close to 40% mining graduates get placed in core companies, and around 30% in information technology and software companies,The rest pursue higher studies in Indian Institute of Mines, Dhanbad or abroad."

(Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/)