ILO and Partners Convene in Ranchi to Champion “Decent Work” in Jharkhand’s Mining Sector

Ranchi: The International Labour Organization (ILO), the Japan-Mukti Bilateral Programme, and Bal Kalyan Sangh (BKS) hosted a high-level Round Table Policy Discussion at Hotel Radisson Blu to address labour rights and safety standards within Jharkhand’s critical mining industry.

With Jharkhand holding nearly 40% of India’s mineral reserves, officials emphasized that the sector is a massive engine for employment—provided it is effectively regulated. Ms. Michiko Miyamoto, Director of ILO India, stressed that strengthening occupational safety and social protection is non-negotiable for ensuring “decent work” across the entire value chain, from extraction to processing.

Stakeholders identified mining as one of the most hazardous sectors, calling for urgent regulatory reforms to protect basic human rights and provide dignified livelihoods.

A significant focus was placed on the unorganized nature of mica mining. Experts noted that regulatory gaps have led to persistent issues with labour exploitation and child labour in these regions.

The panel advocated for ethical sourcing, urging companies and consumers to demand transparency to ensure minerals are produced without exploitation.

Representatives from Rajasthan shared comparative data, highlighting that informal mica operations across India face similar hurdles, requiring a unified national policy approach.

The discussion, chaired by representatives from the Government of Japan and BKS Founder Secretary Sanjay Kumar Mishra, concluded with a collective pledge to transform Jharkhand into a global model for responsible mining. The partners committed to developing practical strategies that bridge the gap between industrial productivity and worker welfare.