The Centre will establish exclusive mines for women staff within the next year, said Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy on Thursday.
He said this at an event organised by the Ministries of Coal and Mines to celebrate women's contributions to the mining sector ahead of Women's Day on March 8.
Reddy promised to discuss the possibility of reserving certain mines for women to enhance their participation in the industry with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Taking note of the growing presence of women in the coal sector, he called their inclusion in night shifts a positive development.
"I have directed both the Coal and Mines Ministries to ensure exclusive mining activities run entirely by women—from officers to workers. India must showcase the strength of its women to the world," Reddy said.
"I have given orders that there should be 100% women, from officers to workers, in some mines within the next year," he said.
Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey, Telangana Women and Child Welfare Minister D Anasuya Seethakka, and senior officials attended the event.
Women employees from various mining organisations shared their experiences, and some were felicitated by the ministers.
—With PTI inputs
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