Talcher, Nov. 8 -- Union Coal and Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi on Thursday announced 300 per cent hike in ex-gratia amount for fatal coal mines accidents from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 15 lakh.
The welfare measure will cover over 3.5 lakh families of miners working under Coal India and its subsidiaries in eight states of the country.
"I announce enhancement in ex-gratia from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 15 lakh for the coal workers, both permanent as well as the contractors, in case of fatal mine accident," said Joshi.
After undertaking aerial survey and inspection of mining operations of Talcher Coalfields in Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), the Minister addressed the villagers and coal miners after laying foundation stone of MCL DAV School in Talcher coalf...