(a)whether silicosis disease is prevalent among miners of Udaipur, Jodhpur, Dungarpur, Banswada, Karouli districts of Rajasthan; and
(b)if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken by the Government to control this disease and ensure safety of mine workers in the country including Rajasthan?
MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
(SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)
(a): As per survey conducted by Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) under Ministry of Labour and Employment and National Institute of Miner’s Health (NIMH), silicosis disease is prevalent among miners of Udaipur, Jodhpur and Banswada districts of Rajasthan. Surveys have been conducted at Dungarpur and Karouli districts and evaluation of the reports have been initiated.
Contd..2/-
:: 2 ::
(b): The details of the Silicosis disease prevalent among miners of Udaipur, Jodhpur, Banswada districts of Rajasthan is as under:
Name of district Number of Silicosis cases detected among miners
Udaipur 01
Jodhpur 41
Banswada 11
The step taken by the Government to control Silicosis disease and ensure safety of miners are:-
(1) To ensure compliance of safety legislations through inspection of mines in respect of the following:
• Wet drilling,
• Periodic monitoring of dust levels at workplace,
• Use of Dust mask and Dust respirator as Personal Protective Equipments,
• Initial Medical Examination before employment and Periodical Medical Examinations of persons employed in mines at an interval of 5 years,
• Occupational health survey.
(2) Conducting Awareness Campaigns:- 236 Awareness camps have been organized in 15 states with the help of State Governments and Union Territories to bring awareness among the mine owners and mine workers about Silicosis and measures for protection against Silicosis to be adopted including the use of protective gear.
******