New Delhi, October 25th, 2012

The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that the family of a bonded labourer who died is facing the challenge of ending up as bonded labourers in Gandav village of District Patiala, Punjab.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the press report, if true, raise the serious issue of violation of human rights of the deceased and the widow.

The Commission has issued a notice to District Magistrate, Patiala directing him to inquire into the allegations of bonded labour and the circumstances of the mysterious death of the labourer. In case, the allegations of bonded labour are found true, further steps for release and rehabilitation of the deceased family as well as for her safety may be taken on priority. He has been asked to submit a report in the matter within four weeks.

Reportedly, one Avtar Singh had sold himself and his wife Jasbir Kaur as bonded labourers against a loan of Rs. 45,000/- for years ago to a landlord of Gandav village in District Patiala. He died in the month of August, 2012 leaving being the unpaid debt. His wife would loose the one room shed occupied by her if she did not pay the debt.

Allegedly, Avatar Singh committed suicide since he was often beaten up brutally at work. After his death, his wife along with her minor son Gurpreet escaped from the farm, but, last week her landlord found her and asked her to return his money with interest. She remains ex-communicated from the village until she paid the landlord who had also threatened to take away her utensils and a broken cot.


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