Madhya Pradesh asked to respond to silicosis death report

The National Human Rights Commission has sought a detailed report on a tribal labourer’s death Feb 14 allegedly from silicosis in Panna district of Madhya Pradesh.

The commission has asked the local authorities and the state chief secretary to respond within six weeks and has also sought information on the post-mortem examination and X-ray report of the labourer, Kamta Prasad.

The commission, which sent a notice after seeing media reports of the silicosis death, has also asked whether any compensation has been provided to the family of Kamta Prasad.

The health of thousands of mine workers in India is in danger as several states have ignored the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) directives on prevention of silicosis, an incurable lung ailment.

The commission has received complaints about the callous attitude of state governments towards tackling the disease, and the national uman rights watchdog said despite its directives no worthwhile action has been taken.