Gujarat recorded highest number of factory accident deaths in India, alleges Congress

The Congress on Friday alleged that Gujarat recorded the highest number of deaths in factory accidents in the country, claiming that 121 workers lost their lives due to industrial accidents amid lapses in safety compliance and enforcement.

Addressing a press conference, party leaders alleged that industrial safety mechanisms in the state had failed and accused the government of not ensuring strict implementation of safety regulations in factories.

According to figures cited by the party, Gujarat recorded 121 deaths in factory accidents, followed by Rajasthan with 95, Maharashtra with 87, Madhya Pradesh with 70 and Chhattisgarh with 52.

The Congress claimed that Gujarat currently has around 31,500 factories employing approximately 16.93 lakh workers across sectors such as petrochemicals, ceramics, diamonds and textiles.

The opposition party alleged that inspections of industrial units were inadequate and that safety norms were often ignored, leading to recurring industrial accidents.

It further alleged that illegal industrial and chemical units continued to operate in the state, posing risks to workers and nearby residents.

The party also questioned the effectiveness of fire safety and pollution control mechanisms, alleging that many industrial units lacked adequate safety infrastructure.

Congress leaders demanded strict action against those found responsible for industrial accidents and called for greater accountability in the enforcement of factory safety regulations.

They said compensation to the families of deceased workers alone was insufficient and urged the government to take stronger measures to prevent recurring industrial accidents.