Explanation:

In a first policy decision of its kind, the Rajasthan government has issued an order to form a Mine Workers Welfare Board, fulfilling one of its poll manifestos and demands of various non-government organisations.

The state government will nominate a president and vice-president to head the seven-member board.

India's mining industry has a poor safety and health record, despite many of the mines owned by the central and state governments.

As per the government order, the board's term will be for three years, which will work for the welfare of the workers that ensures safety, minimising occupational health hazards such as silicosis, education of their kids and other facilities.

According to Director of Mines Labour Protection Campaign, an NGO demanding the constitution of the board for the past several years, this is a historic decision that the government has finally recognised the need to form the board that we had been demanding for 10 years. The mine workers will now have an identity, which can help them claim their rights.

While there are construction or coal workers boards, Rajasthan has become the first state to establish a mining welfare board.

After the government’s current step, once the mine workers register, the board will have the power to force mine owners to take preventive measures against deadly diseases like silicosis.