All mine owners not complying with the safety norms for their workers are likely to face ban of their activities. A decision in this regard was taken by chief secretary C K Mathew on Wednesday during a meeting with mines, labour and finance departments along with mine workers. Despite issuing several notices to the mine owners to abide by the norms of registering their activities with the labour department, the owners continues to overlook it. Taking a strong stance on the issue, Mathew asked the departments concerned to immediately stop issuing them challans (which will affect their economic activities). “Under Section 22 B of the Indian Mines Act 1952, noncompliance of notices may attract prosecution orders leading to jail of the mine operators” said an expert on mine-labour issues. In another major decision, it was decided that all mine workers should be issued a health card with immediate effect. This is to ensure that they can receive all medical benefits and timely treatment in case of any health problems. The state government will also form pneumoconiosis boards in all divisions of the state.