New Delhi, July 9th, 2012
The National Human Rights Commission has said that prima-facie it is established that the Government of NCT of Delhi has failed to protect the 21 workers out of 44 from the occupational disease caused due to inhaling of silica in dust. It has observed that a case of violation of human rights of the victims, who were alleged to be suffering from silicosis. The Commission was provided with a list of 44 persons by the complainant, Mr. S.A. Azad, President, PRASAR, a non-governmental organized alleging that 44 unorganized sector workers in the mines of Lal Kuan area in the National Capital were suffering from silicosis.

Subsequent, to the notices of the Commission to the Delhi Government first denied that there was any case of silicosis. However, the report submitted by the committee constituted by the Commission comprising Dr. K.S. Bhagotia, SPO (Silicosis), Directorate of Health Services, NCT of Delhi and Dr. Neeraj Gupta, Certifying Surgeon, Labour Department and the report of Lala Ram Swarup Institute of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Disease it was confirmed that 21 persons had evidence of silicosis or silico tuberculosis.

The Commission on the basis of material on record has issued a show cause notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of NCT of Delhi, as to why the victims of silicosis be not recommended monetary relief. He has been given six weeks time to respond.

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