Gujarat High Court Asks State To Notify Schemes For Dependants Of Deceased, Surviving Silicosis-Affected Workers Incapable Of Employment
The Gujarat High Court has asked the State Government to notify listing the various government schemes and its benefits which can be availed by dependants of deceased and surviving silicosis affected workers who are unable to get employment.
The court was hearing a plea regarding non compliance of directions contained in the Supreme Court's April 11, 2017 order on the issue of providing compensation to the workmen, who are affected by 'Silicosis'.
The court noted that in compliance with its earlier order the Secretary, Labour Skill Development & Employment Department, had filed an affidavit stating that a Circular dated 21.04.2026 has been issued by the department. As per this the concerned Assistant Government Labour Officer of each Taluka has been designated as the Nodal Officer to ensure administrative convenience and procedural clarity in filing applications by Silicosis affected persons and their dependents.
The designated Nodal Officer shall be responsible for assisting in the completion and submission of forms on behalf of the affected persons and their dependents and for ensuring the disbursement of benefits under the various applicable State Government Schemesm, the court was told.
A division bench of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice DN Ray in its April 28 order said:
"Taking note of these facts stated in the Circular dated 21.04.2026 at Annexure -I at page No. '348' of the paper book, we require the Secretary, Labour Skill Development & Employment Department, Government of Gujarat to issue a Notification, listing the various available State Government Schemes benefits of which would be available to the dependents of both deceased as well as surviving Silicosis affected persons who are incapable of undertaking any employment. The details of the designated Nodal Officer as per the Circular dated 21.04.2026 shall also be notified therein.
There is also a need for taking necessary measures for due publication of the information to all concerned regarding State welfare schemes for Silicosis affected persons, promulgated by the State Government, upon intervention of this Court in the present petition, including the Notification to be issued under this order".
The Government counsel submitted that necessary funds have been secured for public advertisements (including hoardings, banners and pamphlets) for the Financial Year 2026-2027. However, the final administrative sanction of the disbursement of the amount is temporarily withheld in view of the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) currently in effect due to the ongoing local body elections.
It was submitted that immediately upon conclusion of the election process and the cessation of the MCC, the State shall prioritize the allocation of funds to ensure the robust publication and awareness of all schemes for Silicosis affected individuals.
The court posted the matter on July 14 to enable the Secretary, Labour Skill Development & Employment Department, Government of Gujarat to file a response of the high court's order.
The court had in its March 30 order noted that an affected person would have to approach different authorities under different jurisdiction, for getting benefits of the different State beneficiary schemes and as such there is a need to prepare comprehensive scheme to grant benefits.
Case title: PEOPLES TRAINING AND RESEARCH CENTRE & ORS. v/s THE STATE OF GUJARAT & ORS
R/SPECIAL CIVIL APPLICATION NO. 4137 of 2024