The Jharkhand High Court has asked the state government to specify when it plans to constitute the Health Safety Advisory Board and implement the Health Safety and Occupational Rules 2025 for employees working in coal-based thermal power plants. Hearing a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL), the court directed the government to file its response within two weeks. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on 6th August.
During the hearing, the State Government informed the court that the draft of the proposed occupational health and safety rules is still pending before the Cabinet. The Bench sought a clear timeline for finalising the institutional framework intended to strengthen health monitoring and workplace safety for employees in thermal power plants across the state.
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Vacant Factory Inspector Post Came Under Scrutiny
The court was also informed that the post of Chief Inspector of Factories in Jharkhand is currently vacant. According to the government, one of the Deputy Chief Inspectors of Factories has been assigned additional charge until a regular appointment is made. It further submitted that the post is promotion-based and a permanent appointment is unlikely before 2030 due to the non-availability of eligible officers.
Also Read: Labour Code Introduced Stricter Rules on Salary Payments and Employee Settlements
Proceedings Linked to Supreme Court Directions
The ongoing proceedings are linked to compliance with directions issued by the Supreme Court regarding inspection of health facilities provided to workers in coal-based thermal power plants. Earlier, several thermal power plants had filed affidavits before the High Court stating that they were providing the required medical facilities to employees. The High Court has now asked the state government to spell out the timeframe for implementing the proposed safety rules and establishing the advisory board to strengthen occupational health oversight.
Also Read: Jharkhand High Court Ordered Government to Respond on Alleged Loot of DMFT Funds in Bokaro
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