Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission (MPHRC) has sought a report within fortnight from the Health, labour and Panchayat departments and Collectors of Alirajpur, Jhabua and Dhar districts on the status of Silicosis disease in Madhya Pradesh and particularly in these three districts.
Reacting on an application moved by Silicosis patients’ association, the MPHRC on Saturday served notices to Principal Secretaries of Health, labour and Panchayat departments and the Collectors of these three districts.
Notably, this disease is spread due to inhaling dust containing silica. Majority of the patients from these three districts migrate to Gujarat for working in factories and they get affected with this disease. Working for long hours in the factories, they have to stay within the dusty environment which causes the disease.
The Commission has asked the officials the reason as why the villagers are getting migrated from these three districts. It has also asked whether the villagers are not getting benefitted under the MGNREGA scheme. The officials have also been asked as how safe the villagers in the factories in Gujarat.
Showing concern towards the children who have lost their parents due to Silicosis, the Commission asked whether the State government has come out with any scheme to secure their future.
Moreover, it also asked any process towards rehabilitation of Silicosis patients has been initiated.
It has also sought reply on- whether the patients suffering from Silicosis are getting adequate treatment facilities and what action has been taken to prevent the villagers from getting affected from Silicosis even if they are working in Gujarat.