Morbi Industrial Safety and Health Office has issued a 7-day notice to Simpolo Vitrified over compensation for silicosis worker Mithabhai Solanki under the Employees’ Compensation Act, 1923.
Morbi Office Seeks Reply From Simpolo Vitrified in Silicosis Compensation Case
A major development has emerged in Morbi regarding compensation for a silicosis-affected worker, as the Industrial Safety and Health Office, Morbi has issued a notice to Simpolo Vitrified seeking a written response within seven days.
The action relates to worker Mithabhai Pujabhai Solanki, who has been diagnosed with silicosis, an occupational disease recognized under the Employees’ Compensation Act, 1923.
According to official communication issued by the Deputy Director, Industrial Safety and Health Office, Morbi, the company had earlier been directed through letter dated March 20, 2026 to deposit compensation amount as per provisions of the Employees’ Compensation Act, 1923.
The office noted that Government Medical College, Morbi had issued a medical certificate confirming that Mithabhai Solanki was suffering from silicosis. Based on the medical evidence, authorities treated the illness as an occupational disease linked to factory work.
Compensation Amount Fixed at Rs 14.67 Lakh
In the earlier notice, the department calculated compensation payable to the worker by considering a monthly salary of Rs 15,000, age factor 113.09 and permanent disability provisions under the law.
Based on this calculation, the total compensation amount was fixed at Rs 14,67,930. Simpolo Vitrified was instructed to deposit the amount through demand draft within 15 days.
However, after subsequent representations made by the worker, the office again issued a fresh notice on May 4, 2026 to the occupier of Simpolo Vitrified, located on Old Ghuntu Road, Morbi, seeking a written explanation within seven days.
Bank Statements Submitted as Evidence
The latest communication was issued following a complaint application submitted by Mithabhai Solanki on February 4, 2026 and a written representation dated April 26, 2026.
Authorities stated that bank statements submitted by the worker indicate salary deposits from Simpolo Vitrified from April 19, 2021 till 2025. The worker has also claimed that he had been employed in the factory since 2010.
The office further referred to the Supreme Court judgment in New India Assurance Co. Ltd. v. Rekha Chaudhary and Others, Civil Appeal No. 174/2026, dated February 23, 2026.
The judgment emphasized that the Employees’ Compensation Act, 1923 is a social welfare legislation intended to protect workers. Officials also pointed out that delayed payment of compensation may attract 12 percent interest under Section 4A along with penalty up to 50 percent under Section 4A(3)(B).
Silicosis Recognised as Occupational Disease
The Morbi office clearly stated that under Section 3(2) and Schedule III Part C Item 1 of the Employees’ Compensation Act, 1923, silicosis is recognized as an occupational disease.
This recognition legally entitles affected workers to compensation if the disease is linked to workplace exposure.
The case is being viewed as significant for silicosis-affected workers in Morbi’s ceramic and industrial sector, where concerns over occupational health hazards have frequently surfaced.
Questions are now being raised over whether the compensation amount has been deposited by the company and whether further legal proceedings have been initiated before the Compensation Commissioner in case of non-compliance.
The matter directly concerns the legal rights of silicosis victims relating to compensation, interest and statutory penalty under labour welfare laws.
FAQ
What is the compensation amount fixed in the Morbi silicosis case?
The Industrial Safety and Health Office fixed compensation of Rs 14,67,930 for the silicosis-affected worker.
Why was notice issued to Simpolo Vitrified?
The company was asked to respond regarding compensation payment to a worker diagnosed with silicosis under the Employees’ Compensation Act, 1923.
Is silicosis considered an occupational disease under Indian law?
Yes, silicosis is recognized as an occupational disease under Section 3(2) and Schedule III of the Employees’ Compensation Act, 1923.
News Source: People’s Training and Research Center (PTRC), Morbi