Silicosis Financial Assistance Scheme

Silicosis Financial Assistance Scheme provides cash support to the families of workers in Gujarat who lost their lives to silicosis contracted while working in the Akik (agate) occupation. Under the latest rules, the legal heirs of a deceased worker receive a one-time compensation of ₹4,00,000, while living workers affected by the disease get ₹3,00,000.

The scheme is run by the Gujarat Rural Workers Welfare Board under the Labour and Employment Department, Government of Gujarat. As of August 2026, the scheme is still open and the board continues to pay out assistance to eligible families.

Introduction

Gujarat Rural Workers Welfare Board launched Silicosis Financial Assistance Scheme in 2006 to support families hit by occupational silicosis. The scheme was first implemented from 4 January 2014 and later given retrospective effect from 1 January 2006 under a resolution dated 5 September 2014. It acts as a financial safety net for the legal heirs of self-reliant workers who died of silicosis after working in the Akik occupation.

In March 2024 the government issued a new resolution that raised the support amount. Heirs of workers who die due to silicosis now get ₹4,00,000, and affected patients who survive the disease get ₹3,00,000. This is a big jump from the earlier one-time grant of ₹1,00,000.

In the financial year 2025-26 alone, the board paid out ₹1.82 crore to 48 beneficiaries. Over the last 10 years, 205 heirs of deceased workers received a total of ₹3.39 crore through the Gujarat Rural Workers Welfare Board.

Key Information

Benefits

Under the current rules, the scheme offers two types of cash support. Eligible families of a deceased worker receive a one-time payment of ₹4,00,000. Living workers who are affected by silicosis receive ₹3,00,000 as financial help.

Along with this cash support, free diagnostic and treatment facilities for silicosis are available at all government hospitals and GMERS medical colleges across the state through the office of the Health Commissioner. This helps affected workers get medical care without spending their own money.

Eligibility

To claim this assistance, the applicant should meet the following criteria:

1. The applicant must be the legal heir of the deceased worker.
2. The deceased person must have been a self-reliant worker engaged in the Akik occupation within Gujarat.
3. The death must have resulted specifically from silicosis contracted due to the occupation.
4. For living patients, the worker should be affected by silicosis and able to show medical proof of the disease.
5. The applicant should be able to verify the occupational nature of the illness through medical and employment documents.

Application Process

The application is done offline. The prescribed form can also be downloaded from the official website of the Gujarat Rural Workers Welfare Board. Follow these steps to apply.

STEP 1 - Visit the office of the Government Labour Officer to obtain the official application form, or download the prescribed form from the official website of the Gujarat Rural Workers Welfare Board.

STEP 2 - Fill in all required information correctly, attach a recent passport-sized photograph, and make sure all supporting documents are self-attested.

STEP 3 - Submit the completed application to the right office based on the location of the deceased worker. For a rural area, submit at the Office of the Government Labour Officer (Rural). For an urban area, submit at the Office of the Government Labour Officer (Industry).

STEP 4 - Always collect a formal receipt or acknowledgement from the office. Make sure this receipt includes the date and a tracking reference for easy follow up.

STEP 5 - After submission, the board will verify the legal heir status, medical documents, and the employment history of the deceased worker before approving the financial payment.

Documents

Keep the following documents ready while submitting the application:

• Death certificate of the worker
• Medical certificate confirming silicosis as the cause of death
• Official legal heir certificate
• Proof of the deceased person's engagement in the Akik occupation
• Identity and address proof of the applicant (the heir)
• Relevant medical records showing the disease progression

References

Gujarat High Court order on silicosis compensation

Gujarat disburses ₹3.39 crore to silicosis victims' families

FAQ's

What evidence is needed to prove my family member worked in the Akik sector?

You should submit employment records, historical work documents, or any official proof confirming the deceased person's self-reliant involvement in the Akik industry.

How much compensation is provided through this scheme?

Under the latest rules, the heirs of a deceased worker receive ₹4,00,000, while a living worker affected by silicosis gets ₹3,00,000.

Is this compensation available for workers from industries other than Akik?

No, this scheme is specifically made for those involved in the Akik occupation who suffered from occupational silicosis within the state of Gujarat.

What medical proofs are required for the application?

You must provide an official medical certificate that clearly states silicosis as the cause of death, along with relevant medical records establishing the diagnosis.

Am I required to submit a legal heir certificate?

Yes, you must submit a valid legal heir certificate to confirm your eligibility to receive the compensation.

Can I apply if the death occurred outside of Gujarat?

No, the deceased person must have been engaged in the Akik occupation within the state of Gujarat for the claim to be considered.

Is the payment recurring?

No, this is a one-time financial relief payment meant to provide immediate support to the family of the deceased worker.

Can I apply if my family member was a company employee rather than self-reliant?

The scheme rules focus on supporting self-reliant individuals engaged in the Akik trade rather than formal company employees.