Rights panel notice to Delhi over ailing workers

New Delhi, July 9 (IANS) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Monday issued show cause notice to the Delhi government for not recommending 21 silicosis-affected workers for monetary relief.

Silicosis, a disease of lungs caused by the inhalation of dust containing free crystalline silica, is prevalent among labourers working in mines and quarry fields.

The chief secretary of Delhi government has been asked to respond to the notice in six week stating the reason for not recommending 21 silicosis-affected labourers for monetary relief, said an NHRC official.

The commission sent a notice to the government after receiving a complaint from an NGO over 44 labourers suffering from silicosis.

The government had denied the report but later constituted a committee to look into the matter which confirmed that 22 people had silicosis or tuberculosis.