Inspectorate of Mines exists since pre-partition (1947) and remained working under the Labour Deptt; till 2002. On implementation of the National Mineral Policy in 2003 it was transferred to the newly established Mines & Minerals Department. The Chief Inspector of Mines (CIM) is responsible for Safety, Health and Welfare of Mines Workers under the provisions of the Mines Act 1923, Rules & Regulati
ons made thereunder and Other Labour Laws. These functions are performed by qualified mining engineers through inspections of mines/quarries, inquiries into accidents and analysis of environmental samples in and about the mines. Teaching & training is taken as tool of boosting safety, health & other welfare facilities in mines. CIM also heads the Mines Labour Welfare Organization (MLWO), established under the Excise Duty on Minerals (Labour Welfare) Act, 1967. The role of the MLWO is to provide welfare facilities to the mine workers funded from collection of excise duty on (61)notified minerals. The Excise Duty (Labour Levy) collection constitutes the Mines Labour Welfare Fund which is credited to Public Accounts of the Province. Due to pending opening of PLA, Finance Department sanctions budget for utilization to provide health, education, housing and other welfare facilities to the mine workers.
