‘States callous towards silicosis’

With majority of states yet to carry out a survey as recommended three years ago by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to find out the number of persons suffering from silicosis in their areas,the Commission took a serious view of the approach by various governments.

Deploring the “callous approach” adopted by several states in failing to carry out the requisite survey,the commission’s chairperson,Justice K G Balakrishnan,on Tuesday apparently snubbed them as he said,“It is the responsibility of the government departments and organisations to make all-out efforts to check occurrence of silicosis by adopting precautionary measures and ensuring timely diagnosis,followed by appropriate medical care.”

Balakrishnan lamented lack of efforts by authorities towards the deadly disease,affecting thousands of people working in mines and quarries,as he inaugurated a national conference on silicosis organised by the rights watchdog here on Tuesday.

The representatives of states and the Union Territories sought more time from the Commission to give an updated information on the status of implementation of its recommendations after carrying out the survey.