Chandigarh, April 23: The Haryana Government has officially notified the “Haryana Pneumoconiosis Rehabilitation Policy,” a major expansion of its welfare framework designed to support workers suffering from occupational lung diseases. This new directive replaces the 2017 policy, which was exclusively limited to silicosis, and now covers a broader range of conditions including asbestosis, byssinosis, and bagassosis.
Under the new guidelines, workers diagnosed with these “dreadful” occupational diseases are eligible for a one-time rehabilitation grant of Rs 5 lakh. The policy targets individuals who have worked in Haryana’s factories, construction sites, and textile mills for at least five years. Officials stated that the move aims to provide a comprehensive safety net for those exposed to harmful dust particles such as silica, asbestos, and cotton fibers.
The financial package extends beyond immediate aid, including a monthly pension of Rs 4,000 for affected workers based on International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards. In the event of a worker’s death, the policy provides Rs 1 lakh to the surviving spouse or parents, alongside a family pension of Rs 3,500. A funeral assistance payment of Rs 15,000 is also included in the benefits.
Pardeeep Kumar, Secretary of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, noted in a similar administrative context that maintaining the health of a “living ecosystem”—whether environmental or social—is a priority for the state. To fund the initiative, the government will utilize a dedicated corpus, with 70% of the capital coming from the Haryana Labour Welfare Board and 30% from the Construction Workers Welfare Board.
Medical care remains a cornerstone of the expansion. Workers covered under the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Act will receive treatment at ESI hospitals, while others will be afforded free care at government medical colleges. Furthermore, the policy includes educational grants for children of affected workers and marriage assistance, ensuring long-term security for families.
