New Amendments to Tamil Nadu Safety Officer Rules: Will They End the Unfair College Monopoly?

Introduction of New Amendments

It's great to see new amendments introduced by the Tamil Nadu government to the existing Tamil Nadu Safety Officer Rules, 2005.

Previous Rules and Their Impact

Anybody who has studied a safety course from an institute or college recognized by AICTE, UGC, or DGFASLI was previously affected. There were horrible rules before for the appointment of safety officers, which ensured only students from certain money-looting colleges were eligible to be appointed as safety officers, regardless of their working experience and knowledge compared to others.

Challenges Faced by Qualified Candidates

Even if a native of Tamil Nadu had completed an MTech in Industrial Safety from NIT, Durgapur, or from UPES, or a Post Diploma from other approved institutes, they were still barred from joining as a safety officer in Tamil Nadu under that existing law clause. Because of this, the people of Tamil Nadu suffered a lot. It makes sense now. At least this will stop the demand from money-looting colleges.

Anyone who has studied a safety course (M.Tech, PG Diploma, Post Diploma) at any recognized college or institute approved by AICTE/UGC/DGFASLI is eligible to be appointed as a safety officer in Tamil Nadu.

Requirements for Safety Officers Under the Factories Act

As per the Factories Act, a candidate must have a ME in Industrial Safety Engineering from a GO-approved institution under the Ministry of Labor and Employment. Additionally, a PG Diploma in Industrial Safety from RLI in Chennai or CLI in Mumbai is also required. These criteria will be considered in industries for the recruitment of Safety Officers.

Thank you.