NONGPOH, Feb 11: Prominent academicians, policymakers, and industry experts converged to discuss the future of workplace safety and sustainability in India at the two-day international conference on ‘Safe Workplaces, Sustainable Health and Safety Systems: Envisioning Vikasit Bharat 2047’, organised by the Mahatma Gandhi University, Meghalaya, on Monday and Tuesday.
The conference, organised in collaboration with the Regional Labour Institute, Shillong, under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, addressed the increasing need for robust health and safety frameworks within India’s rapidly expanding industrial sector.
Discussions centered on transforming workplace safety for industrial growth, implementing sustainable health and safety policies, and integrating technology into these systems, aligning with the nation’s Vikasit Bharat 2047 vision. The event provided a platform for sharing best practices, research findings, and actionable recommendations to bolster workplace health and safety across industries.
Distinguished experts and industry leaders from India and abroad participated, offering valuable insights into industry-specific challenges and sustainable safety mechanisms.
Notable attendees included Dr Cynthia Amaka Obiorah (Nigeria), Dr Gaganpreet Kaur, MD, ARHI Hospital, Assam, Dr Bhaben Choudhury, CEO, Sanjeevani, Assam, Sudhir Chandra Saha, I/C Deputy Director, Health, (Pharmac) Service, Government of Assam, Dr Ranjeet Singha, Associate Professor, College of Physiotherapy & Medical Sciences, Assam, Sameer Pandey, Director, Regional Labour Institute, Shillong, Ashish V Jambhe, Assistant Director, Regional Labour Institute, Shillong, Dr Pankaj Kalita, Associate Professor, IIT Guwahati, Plainingson Lyngdoh Nongbet, Senior Inspector of Boilers & Factories, Government of Meghalaya, Dr Manjeet Kaur Kaushal, Vice-Chancellor, CMJ University, Meghalaya, Dr Abhijit Shivane, Pune, and Dr Ankaprabha Sau, Deputy Director, Industrial Medicine, Regional Labour Institute, Kanpur, Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India.
Experts emphasised the importance of collaboration between academia, government, and industry to implement effective workplace safety systems, highlighting the role of policy, technology, and data-driven strategies.
Seven technical sessions showcased 46 research papers presented by leading scholars and professionals. The conference garnered significant participation, with over 500 students, academicians, and industry representatives in attendance.
The conference’s key takeaways are expected to influence policy reforms, improve industry standards, and shape future workplace safety initiatives.
The emphasis on technology, data analytics, and cross-sector partnerships aligns with the broader goal of enhancing workplace safety and sustainability. Mahatma Gandhi University reaffirmed its commitment to research, policy advocacy, and education in support of workplace safety and sustainable industrial development, marking a significant step towards a safer, healthier, and more productive workforce in Vikasit Bharat 2047.
