Examining Legal and Policy Provisions on Silicosis in the Context of Sandstone Mining in Karauli, Rajasthan-India

Present study examines laws and policies on silicosis in context of sandstone mining in Karauli district of Rajasthan. Purposive sampling method was employed to select 217 respondents. FGDs and in-depth interviews were conducted to gather data. Open-ended questionnaires were developed, field tested and, used as FGDs and interviews’ guide. Data were transcribed, themes identified, and interpreted. Results reveal that there is large scale of illegal mining (95%) in a vast area of the district. The Enforcement and regulatory agencies are understaffed, lacks coordination and, capacity; lease allotment process is opaque; unsuitable sites are allotted for the mining. Monitoring and reporting system is complex. Politico-bureaucratic nexus exists. Rudimentary tools used in manual mining without protective gears; rights of the unorganized miners are grossly violated. Compensation is inadequate and hardly reaches to the silicosis victims in full. There is severe shortage of the doctors, diagnostic facilities, and training opportunities. Provisions of Mines Act, 1957, Workmen Compensation Act, 1923 or Factory Act, 1948 are grossly inadequate and outdated in context of sandstone mining in the district. These findings will have far-reaching implication in terms of informed policymaking and legislation on prevention of occupational hazards and protection of the rights of the miners.