Change: Women lead the workforce in the most challenging tasks in MCL

New Delhi: The coal mines, which used to be a no-go zone for women, now have women as coal miners looking after critical jobs. Breaking the stereotype, Hara Barik and Sumanti Sahoo of Danara & Solada village in Talcher has taken up some of the most challenging jobs in coal mines.

According to an official press release of MCL, Today, 15 brave women are part of the blasting Crew at Balram opencast project (OCP) of Hingula Area, undertaking a critical job to execute controlled blasting of 12 to 15-tonne explosives daily. Risk, hazards and hardships associated with this job have not deterred them from doing their duties diligently.

Six million tonne per annum coal production by Balram OCP is itself a testimony to the contribution made by this team.

"With the changing times, like in every other occupation, women are playing an important role in the coal mining sector. Besides, Executive and clerical positions, the women employees are also playing important role in field jobs," said MCL Director (Personnel) Keshav Rao, referring to the women blasting crew of Balram OCP.

While the company conducts a training programme and has facilities in place to support women at their workplaces, Mr Rao said, "The Women Blasting Crew (of Balram OCP), is inspiring many others to assume leadership roles in the mining sector and serve the nation."

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