Slate pencil workers are usually prone to a serious disease called Silicosis. This disease is a long-term lung disease caused by inhaling large amounts of crystalline silica dust, usually over many years. Silica is a substance naturally found in the stone which is cut to make slate pencils. Working with such stones can create a very fine dust that can be easily inhaled. Slate Pencil Workers Welfare Board is meant for covering the Slate Pencil Workers under the ambit of the Social Security Schemes mainly to provide health benefits to them and their families.
Under the Madhya Pradesh Slate Pencil Workers Welfare Fund Act, 1982, a fund has been established for the welfare of workers employed in the slate pencil industry in Mandsaur district. A Board is constituted for its operation, whose tenure is three years. Apart from the Chairman and Secretary, the Board consists of three representatives from employers, workers and three independent members. Assistant Labour Commissioner, Ujjain Division is the Secretary of the Board.
