In a significant operation, authorities rescued 37 bonded labourers from a brick kiln near Hosapete in Karnataka's Ballari district. The rescue, conducted on Wednesday, involved a team from the district administration, police, and labour department officials acting on a tip-off.
Details of the Rescue
The labourers, including women and children, were found working under deplorable conditions at the kiln located in the Kottur area. They had been forced to work without proper wages and were subjected to restrictions on their movement. Many of them had been brought from other states under false promises of better livelihoods.
Victims from Multiple States
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims hailed from various states, including Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. They were lured with advances and then forced to work to repay debts, a classic case of bonded labour.
Legal Action and Rehabilitation
The authorities have registered a case against the kiln owner under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. The rescued individuals have been provided with immediate relief, including food, clothing, and medical care. They are being housed in a temporary shelter and will undergo counseling before being repatriated to their home states.
Government Intervention
Karnataka's Labour Minister, in a statement, assured strict action against those involved in such practices. The state government has also initiated steps to strengthen enforcement mechanisms to prevent bonded labour in the region. This rescue operation underscores the persistent challenges in eliminating forced labour despite legal prohibitions.
The district administration has formed a committee to monitor the rehabilitation process and ensure that the victims receive compensation as per government norms. NGOs working on labour rights have been roped in to provide long-term support.
