Date : 31st August 2023
Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) organized the Prize distribution ceremony of Annual Mines Safety Fortnight 2022-23 at company headquarters in Sambalpur on 29th August 2023 under the aegis of Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), Bhubaneswar Region I & II.
Shri Prabhat Kumar, Director General, DGMS, Dhanbad was the Chief Guest of the ceremony which was presided over by Shri O. P. Singh, Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD), MCL whereas Shri S. D. Chiddarwar, Deputy Director General, DGMS, South Eastern Zone, Ranchi was guest of Honour.
The ceremony was commenced with ceremonial lighting of the lamp followed by hoisting of the Safety flag. The dignitaries also paid tribute to coal miners who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, contributing to the nation's energy security.
On the sidelines, an exhibition consisting of 23 exhibits was also inaugurated by the esteemed dignitaries. The exhibits displayed innovative insights, equipment display, Artificial Intelligence based devices which can play important role in mining operations.
Shri Prabhat Kumar, in his address, lauded MCL's remarkable efforts in enhancing safety standards. He praised MCL's pioneering initiative of Virtual Reality-based training, highlighting its potential to elevate safety within the mining sector.
Shri Kumar stressed that with the advent of technology in coal mining sector, production has increased manifolds, hence, it is the need of hour to incorporate advance safety features at workplace. He further advised that we should walk extra mile in customizing the technology as per our requirement enhancing safety.
CMD Shri O P Singh in his address reiterated the resolution of MCL ‘safety is our utmost priority’. He extended his regards to the collaborative efforts of DGMS, Trade union leaders and MCL Parivar in ensuring safety and maintaining the status of number one coal producing company for MCL.
He further added that Vocational Training Centers in the areas are being upgraded to Hi-tech smart classrooms to impart VR based simulated training to 17000 workers.
A total of 86 awards were presented during the ceremony, honoring individuals, contractors, mines, and areas that exhibited exceptional dedication and excellence. A souvenir was also released on this occasion by the dignitaries.
Shri Keshav Rao, Director (Personnel), MCL, Shri P K Patel, Chief Vigilance Officer, MCL, Shri J K Borah, Director (Tech/Op), MCL, Shri A K Behura, Director (Finance), MCL, Shri A S Bapat, Director (Tech/P&P), MCL, Shri K Mondal, Director, Mines safety, Bhubaneswar region-I, Shri P R Thakur, Director, Mines Safety, Bhubaneswar region-II, other senior officers of DGMS, HoDs of MCL HQ, Members of corporate JCC, MCL's security board, Welfare Board, CMOAI, Representatives of Trade union leaders, NTPC, NLCIL, NALCO were prominently present on this occasion.
Source: ( www.psuconnect.in )