Annual Report 2009-2010 4.265 The Commission considered the reports of the two Medical Suprintendents on 29 March 2010 and directed the team of the Investigation Division of NHRC to visit the two hospitals in April 2010 and report whether perceptible improvement in hygiene and cleanliness in the two hospitals had actually taken place as stated by the concerned Medical Superintendents in their reports. 4.266 The case as such continues to be under consideration of the Commission. 42. Silicosis Disease a Health Hazard to the Workers of Sand Stone Quarries Located Around Jodhpur in Rajasthan (Case No. 1573/20/19/09-10) 4.267 An NGO named Mine Labour Protection Campaign brought to the notice of the NHRC a grave health hazard issue prevailing in areas around Jodhpur in Rajasthan. According to the NGO, 40,000 odd workers in about 7,000 sand stone quarries were working in extremely polluted working conditions having a very high stone dust level. All these workers in due course of time would become victims of a deadly disease silicosis, which is a fibrotic lung disorder caused by inhalation, retention and pulmonary reaction to crystalline silica during mining, stone crushing and quarrying. A list of 53 workers suffering from silicosis and 7 others who died was also a�ached. Since the workers were unorganized and had not even been issued identity cards, they were not in a position to file any claim for compensation under the Workmen Compensation Act. 4.268 Taking cognizance of the ma�er, the Commission deputed a team from its Investigation Division for an on the spot inquiry. The team a�er visiting the area from 12 to 15 January 2010 confirmed the gravity of the problem and found that 21 persons had died and 44 others had become victims of silicosis disease. The recommendations made by the team were sent to the Chief Secretary calling for a report as to: (i) whether next of kin of the 21 persons who had died due to silicosis had been given any monetary relief ; and (ii) the steps taken for medication and rehabilitation of those who had contracted the disease. It also directed the Chief Secretary to convene a meeting on the issue with the officers of Mines and Geology Department and Labour Enforcement Department of Government of Rajasthan; Pollution Control Board, Labour Enforcement Department and Mines Safety Department of Government of India. 4.269 Subsequently, the State Government informed that a proposal for compensating the next of kin of the 21 workers who died on account of silicosis was under consideration. So far, only Rs. one lakh had been paid as interim relief from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. It was also informed the affected persons were being treated by the Primary Health Centers and Regular Health Check-up Camps were being organized. 4.270 The Commission called for comments from the complainant NGO on the report received form the State Government. The complainant NGO stated that there was no mechanism for registration of workers and they were still working without any identity card and proof of payment. In view of the alleged inaction by the State, the Commission called upon the Chief Secretary, to submit an additional report. The report is awaited and the ma�er is under consideration of the Commission. 60 NHRC