Legislative Council panel visits Hutti gold mines in Raichur district, suggests improvement in safety measures

Suggests improvement in safety measures.

A delegation from the Legislative Council’s Committee on Government Assurances, led by its chairman T.A. Sharavana, visited the Hutti Gold Mines in Lingsugur taluk in Raichur district of Karnataka on June 11 to inspect the operations, and review employee welfare and safety standards.

The visit began with an underground tour of the gold mine, where legislators descended nearly one kilometre to observe the gold extraction process. The team later inspected the ore processing division, where Deputy General Manager Vidhatri briefed them on the various stages of gold refinement.

During a meeting held in the company’s conference hall, the committee reviewed assurances numbered 7622 and 7387 from the Department of Commerce and Industries. The chairman sought clarification regarding the recent death of an employee during machinery operations. Officials informed the committee that the family of the deceased had been given compensation of ₹5 lakh, and that his widow was being considered for a managerial post.

Mr. Sharavana stressed the need for enhanced safety protocols to prevent such incidents in future. He directed the company to prioritise the safety of its regular employees and recommended increasing the minimum compensation for workplace fatalities to ₹25 lakh.

The committee urged the company to upgrade its on-site hospital to ensure comprehensive medical care for employees.

Recognising the hazardous nature of mining work, the committee called for improved educational facilities for the children of mine workers, particularly those working near heavy machinery and fire-prone areas. Additionally, the chairman instructed company officials to ensure timely and transparent payment of wages to contract workers through authorised human resource agencies, and requested a detailed report on past payments.

The committee recommended a review of cases involving former employees who lost their jobs under various circumstances, suggesting that some may be eligible for reinstatement.