The Court directed the State to streamline access to Silicosis welfare benefits by appointing Nodal Officers and issuing a comprehensive notification of available schemes to ensure administrative convenience and transparency for affected persons and their dependents.

ORAL ORDER

(PER : HONOURABLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE MRS. JUSTICE SUNITA AGARWAL)

1. In compliance with the order dated 30.03.2026, the affidavit dated 27.04.2026 of the Secretary, Labour Skill Development & Employment Department, Government of Gujarat has been placed before us to demonstrate that the anxiety shown by the petitioners, as noted in the order dated 30.03.2026 that there would be requirement 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 benefit to the dependents of both deceased as well as surviving Silicosis affected persons who are in capable of undertaking any employment, has been taken care of.

2. It is submitted that the Circular dated 21.04.2026 has been issued by the Labour, Skill Development and Employment Department. As per the said Circular, 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 Schemes.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Ms. Hetal Patel, learned Assistant Government Pleader appearing for the State-respondent invited attention of this Court paragraph No. ‘4’ of the affidavit dated 27.04.2026 to submit 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 said 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 is submitted therein 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.

6. Taking note of the above, we post the matter on 14^th July, 2026 at 12.30 p.m. to enable the Secretary, Labour Skill Development & Employment Department, Government of Gujarat to file a response of this order.