Minister inspects KK-5 underground mine

Metro India News | MANDAMARRI :

Labor and Employment Minister Gaddam Vivek Venkata Swamy on Thursday descended into the KK-5 underground mine in the Mandamarri Area and inspected the workplace along with the miners. The Minister personally examined the safety measures in the areas where workers operate and interacted with them to understand the problems they are facing. The workers brought to his notice issues including income tax on perks, problems related to the own house scheme, and workplace facilities.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Vivek Venkata Swamy said the Congress government would open new mines and generate fresh employment opportunities. The Minister directed officials to ensure worker safety while maintaining high-quality coal production. Recalling the contributions of his father, former Minister Kaka Venkataswamy, he said Singareni workers have an inseparable bond with the ‘Kaka’ family. He reminded everyone that Kaka Venkataswamy had protected one lakh jobs by securing Rs 400 crore for the company.

The Minister informed that the state government is taking steps to enable Singareni to participate in coal block tenders as per the new laws introduced by the Central Government. He called upon workers and officials to work collectively for the development of Singareni. He mentioned that he had brought the issue of income tax on perks to the notice of the Chief Minister. He also said that MP Vamshi Krishna is making efforts in Parliament to ensure Rs 10,000 pension for retired workers.

The Minister announced that the RK Open Cast Phase-2 project would provide employment to around 5,000 people and said the mine would be started immediately after receiving forest clearances. Later, at a program held at KK-5 Mine, the Minister felicitated Shram Shakti Award recipients Pavan Kumar and Pulluri Lakshman with shawls and congratulated them. He also participated in a safety pledge along with the workers.