Question : INFECTION AMONG MINE WORKERS

(a) Whether the Government is aware that the iron ore mine workers and their family are suffering from various occupational diseases including infection due to exposure to red dust in various parts of the country including Jharkhand and Orissa;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;

(c) the number of cases reported during each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise; and

(d) the remedial/precautionary measures taken/being taken in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF MINES AND MINISTER OF DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION (SHRI B. K. HANDIQUE)

(a) to (d) : Some reports in the media on occupational diseases due to exposure to red dust in iron ore mining areas had come to the notice of the Government. Data on these cases are not centrally maintained. However, action has been duely initiated for consultations with stakeholders and other agencies involved.