The Commission has constituted an expert group to go into the problems of bonded labour prevalent amongst the Kol Tribals of Uttar Pradesh. The Commission had taken cognizance of a complaint by Swami Agnivesh, which had brought to focus the problems of this tribe. The group has been asked to study the problems and find out ways and means for the economic and social upliftment of the tribe. The Convenor of the Expert Group is Shri Chaman Lal, Special Rapporteur of the Commission. The other members include Prof. Sheotaj Singh, Shri Amar Saran Both, noted social workers and Shri Bharat Dogra, an eminent journalist.

The Group has visited the Shankargarh block of Allahabad and Mou and Manikpur blocks of Chitrakoot district of Uttar Pradesh. They heard out the problems of the Kol Tribals in open meetings in a number of villages to make an assessment of their problems arising out of bonded labour and other forms of exploitation. The provision of basic education, health facilities and other basic amenities were also reviewed.

The final report of the expert group is expected soon.