Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has urged government departments to take comprehensive security measures in coalmine work.

He made the remark during an executive meeting of the State Council Wednesday in Beijing.

The meeting asked governments and relevant departments to take measures on strengthening safety work in coalmines, improving work conditions, implementing the responsibility mechanism, as well as encouraging investment on safety work.

Meanwhile, the meeting also announced that deputy governor of Henan Province Shi Jichun was given a penalty for a grim coal mine blast that claimed 148 lives last October.

(Xinhua News Agency January 20, 2005)