New silicosis policy: Patients to get health, security & pension benefits in Rajasthan

JAIPUR: Under the new silicosis policy, which will be formally launched by chief minister Ashok Gehlot on October 3, those suffering from the disease will be treated on a par with specially abled persons and they will enjoy all the social security benefits under the social justice and empowerment department, including pension and Palanhar. It would also focus on prevention of the disease.

The government will launch a new silicosis policy to address health and security concerns of the mining labourers. The cabinet has already approved the new policy. Silicosis is a terminal ailment as there is no treatment for the disease. “Earlier, the government's responsibility was limited to providing grants to silicosis patients. Hence, under the new policy, the role of the government would be to prevent the disease by enforcing a certain kind of work environment at the construction, stone crushing and mining sites. This is a major shift in the emphasis of the government,” said Akhil Arora, principal secretary, social justice and empowerment department.

“Prevention will be done through regulation, IEC (Information, Education and Communication), facilitation and capacity building. As a part of regulation, awareness would be created among workers to sprinkle water at the mining sites to prevent suspension of dust particles. This policy will focus on its enforcement and monitoring," he said.

Arora added, “To ensure sustained support to a silicosis patient and to his/her family after his/her tragic death, the benefits of the schemes under social justice and empowerment department — like pension, Palanhar, scholarships — would now be extended to them.” Meanwhile, in case of death, the compensation for the family of deceased has already been increased from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 5 lakh under DMFT (District Mineral Foundation Trust).