Section 46 of Mines Act : Section 46: Employment Of Women

Explanation using Example

Imagine a scenario where Priya works as an engineer for a mining company. According to Section 46 of The Mines Act, 1952:

• Priya cannot be assigned to work underground in the mine at any time, due to the prohibition on women working below ground.
• She can work at the surface installations of the mine, but her shift must be scheduled between 6 A.M. and 7 P.M., ensuring she does not work during late-night hours.
• If Priya finishes her shift at 7 P.M. on a Tuesday, she cannot be scheduled to start her next shift until at least 6 A.M. on Wednesday, as she is entitled to a minimum 11-hour rest period between shifts.
• If the mining company wants to change the working hours for women like Priya due to special circumstances, they would need to seek approval from the Central Government, which may allow a variation in working hours but still restricts work between 10 P.M. and 5 A.M.