Women’s participation in Jharkhand’s mining sector has risen significantly across both opencast and underground mines since 2019, according to Ujjawal Tah, Director General of Mines Safety (DGMS). Speaking at a conclave titled “Women in Mining: Transforming Today, Redefining Tomorrow”, organised by Tata Steel Noamundi under the aegis of the DGMS, Tah said that the number of women working in opencast mines has grown from 64 in 2020 to 442, while those employed in underground mines have increased from 20 to 178. He noted that the DGMS amended Section 46 of the Mines Act, 1952, in January 2019, removing several restrictions on the employment of women in mining operations. This legislative change, he said, has enabled greater gender diversity across the sector. Tah added that the conclave aims to highlight progress made by leading mining organisations in enhancing gender inclusion. Feedback from such engagements will be considered for future policy decisions, he said. The DGMS will also issue comprehensive safety guidelines for women in mining. “Necessary amenities and facilities are being provided. No woman works alone inside a mine, and separate washrooms and restrooms are being ensured,” he stated. Tah said similar conclaves will be held periodically to better understand women miners’ needs and experiences. During the event, Bandi Gayatri, Senior Manager of Operations at an underground coal mine in the Jharia Division, shared her journey. She joined Tata Steel as a Graduate Trainee Manager in 2022, and in 2023 the company made a landmark decision to deploy women in underground coal mines for the first time. “Initially, three of us volunteered and were posted to underground mines. Now, more women are joining, and the numbers are steadily increasing,” she said. She described underground mining as challenging due to issues such as poor ventilation and roof instability, but emphasised that trained personnel are deployed to handle these risks. Gayatri said the working environment is safe, well supported with amenities, and respectful. “Everyone is focused only on their work, and we are treated as equals,” she noted.