Addressing the conclusion of review meetings on silicosis, NHRC member P C Sharma said the states do not appear to be serious on tackling silicosis, an incurable lung disease caused due to inhalation of silica in dust.
"The issue remains a neglected area as they have failed to conduct survey of various kinds of industries generating silica and submit 10 point questionnaire to the Commission to assess the work done by them on silicosis whereas the fact is that no State can claim that there is no mining or an industry which does not generate silica.
"All the regional meetings on silicosis have been disappointing as the states have failed to give any proper action plan and showed total apathy to the issue of silicosis," he said.
Barring Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Pudducherry to some extent, he said, there is nothing concrete done by most of the authorities at the Centre and the states for the unorganised sector labourers who are prone to contract silicosis while working in silica dust generating mines, stone crushing units and quarries.
He also suggested that Centre should organise a national conference of chief ministers and ministers concerned to address the issues relating to silicosis as there is a need to make a collective effort to ensure preventive measures, diagnostic facilities, compensation and rehabilitation of the victims.
Despite the Factories Act, the Labour Act and the Minimum Wages Act, Sharma said the poor section of labourers, constituting a majority of workers in unorganised sector in the country, remain neglected.
He also took serious view of the absence of representatives from Goa and Himachal Pradesh at the review meeting.
