Tata Steel Operationalises India’S First All-Women Shift At J’Khand Iron Mine

Jamshedpur: Tata Steel has operationalised an all-women shift at its Noamundi iron mine in Jhar-khand’s West Singhbhum district, an initiative introduced in the country for the first time, a com-pany statement said. Women employees were engaged in all the mining activities of the shift, in-cluding heavy earth moving machinery, shovel, loader, drill and dozer operators, and shift super-vision, it said.

“This initiative, the first of its kind in India, underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to creating an equitable workplace and empowering women in traditionally male-dominated in-dustries,” the steelmaker said in a statement.

The all-women shift was flagged off by Mines Safety Deputy Director General (SE Region, Ranchi) Shyam Sundar Prasad, marking a new beginning of support of the government in pro-moting an equitable workplace, it said.

Prasad emphasised the commitment of the government to a progressive workplace and men-tioned that the decision by the Director General of Mines Safety to permit the deployment of women in all shifts in mining in 2019 was a key step in the right direction.

He also appreciated Tata Steel’s effort in taking the lead as a responsible corporate house in pro-moting such a cause. Tata Steel vice president (raw material) D B Sundara Ramam said, “This all-women shift represents a landmark achievement not only for the company but also for the Indian mining industry. It is a testament to the resilience and capability of women breaking stereotypes.

It is also a reflection of our belief that diversity and inclusion are essential for driving innovation and operational excellence.”