Mandya Judge Advocates Zero-Tolerance Approach to Bonded Labour
District and Sessions Judge JN Subramanya, who also chairs the District Legal Services Authority in Mandya, has issued a strong call for stringent legal measures against those involved in bonded labour practices. He emphasized that filing criminal cases without any leniency is crucial to completely uproot this inhumane system from society.
Awareness Programme Highlights Persistent Challenges
Judge Subramanya made these remarks while inaugurating an awareness programme focused on the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act of 1976 at the Zilla Panchayat (ZP) in Mandya on Wednesday. He acknowledged that the prevalence of bonded labour has seen a gradual decline, largely due to improved access to education among children in rural areas.
However, he pointed out that the practice stubbornly persists in specific regions, particularly those prone to droughts and floods where food insecurity is high, as well as in areas dominated by private moneylending activities. "It has come to the attention of authorities that bonded labour continues in certain pockets. Every department of the government must take firm and decisive steps to eliminate it completely," he stated.
No Compromise in Law Enforcement
The judge stressed that criminal cases must be registered against individuals who directly or indirectly promote or practise bonded labour. He argued that sending offenders to jail would serve as a powerful deterrent, sending a clear message that such exploitation will not be tolerated. "There should be no room for compromise in implementing the law," he added firmly.
Collective Social Responsibility
Deputy Commissioner Kumara echoed these sentiments, describing the eradication of bonded labour as a collective social responsibility. He observed that despite significant improvements in literacy and overall development since India's Independence, the continued existence of bonded labour remains a dark stain on what should be a civilised society.
He identified forced exploitation of one human by another as both illegal and profoundly inhumane, with socio-economic inequality at its root cause. Over the past year, ZP executive officers have actively worked towards making the district free of bonded labour by identifying victims, issuing special identity cards, and facilitating their access to various government welfare schemes.
Success Stories and Rehabilitation Efforts
CEO of ZP KR Nandini highlighted the success of the "Nanna Gurutu" (My Identity) project, under which 84 rescued individuals have been linked to essential welfare benefits. Additionally, under the Swavalambi Sarathi scheme of the D Devaraj Urs Backward Classes Welfare Department, a car was provided to a liberated individual to support livelihood generation and economic independence.
The event was also attended by Senior Civil Judge and Member Secretary Anand M, along with psychologist Pratham, underscoring the multidisciplinary approach needed to address this complex issue.
