Explain steps taken on silicosis, HC tells govt

JAIPUR: Rajasthan High Court on Friday asked the state and Central governments to explain what steps had been taken to tackle the silicosis problem in Rajasthan.

The division bench of Chief Justice Sunil Ambwani and Justice Ajit Singh was hearing a suo motto petition on prevalence of silicosis problem among the mining labourers in Rajasthan. The court directed the director general of mines safety, Dhanbad, deputy directors general of Gaziabad and North Western Zone, Udaipur to explain the safety parameters to control the recurrence of silicosis in the next hearing on September 22

The court also made a member of the Rajasthan State Human Rights Commission M K Devarajan as an invitee to the Rajasthan Environment and Health Safty Board. The court also made two NGOs Mines Labour Protection Campaign, Jodhpur and Dang Vikas Sansthan , Karouli as interveners in the case.

The court also directed to effectively implement the recommendations of the national Human Rights Commission with regard to the safety and health of mine labourers.

Earlier, amicus curie SD Khaspuria gave a report on the silicosis problem which he said is an incurable disease. He said the disease is mainly prevalent among the labourers in mining; crushing, building and workers in cement and glass factories. The National Human Rights commission report of 2008, 2009 and 2011 gave detailed recommendations to the states like conducting medical of the workers before employed in the hazardous occupations, recruitment of trained doctors to attend to the health needs of these workers. It has also recommended that silicosis patient may be considered as cent percent 100% disabled and give benefits accordingly as this is an incurable disease.

Advocate general Narpatmal Lodha who appeared for the government said the the government is serious on the issue and strong measures like cancellation of the licenses of the companies were initiated against the violators of workers safety.