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Gujarat Gives Rs 3.39 Crore to Silicosis Victims' Families in 10 Years

The Gujarat government has disbursed Rs 3.39 crore in financial assistance over the past decade to families of workers who died from silicosis. The current financial year saw the highest annual disbursement of Rs 1.82 crore to 48 beneficiaries. Heirs of deceased workers receive Rs 4 lakh, while affected patients get Rs 3 lakh under the scheme. The state provides free diagnostic and treatment facilities and emphasizes worker welfare as a key policy focus.

Key Points: Gujarat's Rs 3.39 Crore Aid for Silicosis Victims' Families

  • Rs 4 lakh for heirs of deceased
  • Rs 3 lakh for affected patients
  • 205 heirs aided over 10 years
  • Free treatment at govt hospitals
2 min read

Gujarat disburses Rs 3.39 crore to silicosis victims' families over a decade

Gujarat disbursed Rs 3.39 crore over a decade to families of workers who died from silicosis, with Rs 1.82 crore given in 2025-26 alone.

"dedicated to the social security and welfare of workers - Labour Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya"

Gandhinagar, March 20

The Gujarat government has provided Rs 3.39 crore in financial assistance over the past decade to families of workers who died due to silicosis, with a higher disbursement recorded in the current financial year, officials said on Friday.

The assistance forms part of a set of measures aimed at supporting unorganised sector workers and self-employed persons engaged in agate, stone, and construction activities, who are at risk of contracting the occupational disease.

Under the scheme, heirs of workers who die due to silicosis are entitled to Rs 4 lakh, while affected patients receive Rs 3 lakh as financial aid.

Through the Gujarat Rural Workers Welfare Board (GRWWB), in 2025-26, assistance amounting to Rs 1.82 crore has been provided to 48 beneficiaries, marking the highest annual disbursement compared to previous years.

Over the last 10 years, a total of 205 heirs of deceased workers have received financial support amounting to Rs 3.39 crore.

As part of the broader support framework, diagnostic and treatment facilities for silicosis are being provided free of cost at all government hospitals and GMERS (Gujarat Medical Education and Research Society) medical colleges across the state through the office of the Health Commissioner.

Eligible workers and self-employed individuals can apply for assistance by downloading the prescribed form from the Board's official website.

Recent budget-related statements by state ministers indicate that worker welfare, including support for silicosis-affected labourers, remains part of a broader policy focus.

The state government said it is working to "strengthen skill development among youth and ensure the comprehensive welfare of workers" through increased allocations and schemes.

Separately, Labour Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya, while presenting budgetary demands in the Assembly, emphasised that the state's budget is "dedicated to the social security and welfare of workers", highlighting schemes for healthcare access and financial support for occupational diseases such as silicosis.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see the disbursement increased this year. Hope it reaches the families without delay. The free treatment at govt hospitals is a crucial support. More awareness is needed so all eligible workers can apply.
S
Suresh O
As someone from a family of construction workers, this hits close to home. Silicosis is a silent killer. The scheme is good, but the application process needs to be simpler, especially for those in villages with limited internet access.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see the data. 205 families over 10 years. I wonder what the actual number of cases is. The focus should equally be on holding employers accountable for providing safe working environments. Compensation is a reactive measure.
A
Anjali F
This is a positive welfare step by the Gujarat govt. 👏 The higher disbursement this year shows intent. Hope other states with similar industries (like Rajasthan, MP) adopt such schemes. Worker safety and health must be a national priority.
K
Karthik V
The financial aid is essential, but what about rehabilitation for the affected patients who are still alive? Rs 3 lakh for treatment is one thing, but they often cannot work again. The "comprehensive welfare" promise needs to include long-term support.

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