The Haryana government has awarded Rs 10 lakh in compensation to a 14-year-old boy from Bihar who lost his arm while being forced to work as bonded labour at a dairy farm in Karnal district. The decision was announced by the state government on June 26, 2026, following a case that highlighted the persistence of child labour and human trafficking in the region.
Incident Details
The victim, a native of Bihar, was trafficked to Haryana and forced to work at a dairy farm under exploitative conditions. While operating a chaff-cutting machine, his right arm was severely injured and later had to be amputated due to the extent of damage. The incident occurred several months ago, but the compensation was granted only after sustained advocacy by child rights activists and local authorities.
According to officials, the boy was rescued by the district administration and police after a complaint was filed. He was subsequently provided medical treatment, but his arm could not be saved. The case was taken up by the Haryana State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, which recommended the compensation.
Government Response
The Haryana government, in a statement, said the compensation is part of its commitment to eradicating bonded labour and child exploitation. The amount of Rs 10 lakh will be deposited in a fixed deposit account in the boy's name, with the interest to be used for his education and rehabilitation. The government also assured that strict action would be taken against the dairy farm owner.
"This compensation is a step towards justice for the victim. We are also working on a comprehensive plan to prevent such incidents in the future," said a senior official from the Haryana Labour Department, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Broader Context
Haryana has been a hotspot for bonded labour, particularly in the dairy and brick kiln sectors, where children from impoverished states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are often trafficked. According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau, over 200 cases of bonded labour were reported in Haryana in 2025, with a significant number involving minors.
Child rights activists have welcomed the compensation but called for systemic changes. "While compensation is important, we need stricter enforcement of labour laws and better tracking of trafficked children. The government must ensure that the perpetrators are punished and that victims receive long-term support," said Ramesh Kumar, a Delhi-based activist with the NGO Bachpan Bachao Andolan.
The victim's family, which resides in a remote village in Bihar, expressed relief but also fear of retaliation. They have requested anonymity and protection from the authorities.
