Press release

National Human Rights Commission

New Delhi: 16th April 2026

NHRC, India hears online 216 cases of alleged bonded labour cases in Uttar Pradesh brick kilns

Chairperson, Justice V. Ramasubramanian highlights official apathy in addressing bonded labour issues

Secretary General, Shri Bharat Lal says, any omission or inaction on the part of the authorities leaves these labourers in penury and vulnerable to exploitation

The State Labour Commissioner assures submission of reports in all the cases within three weeks to the Commission

Compliance with Supreme Court directives and law also assured addressing bonded labour issues in the state

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India today heard online 216 cases of alleged bonded labour in the brick kilns across various districts of Uttar Pradesh. Chairperson, Justice V. Ramasubramanian presided over the virtual hearing in the presence of Secretary General, Shri Bharat Lal, Registrar (Law), Shri Joginder Singh and senior officers. The hearing saw the active participation from senior functionaries of the state government, including the Labour Commissioner, District Magistrates and Additional District Magistrates, among others.

Justice Ramasubramanian appreciated their presence but said that such a hearing may not have been necessary if the officers performed their duties diligently. Despite reports highlighting non-production of records and non-compliance with minimum wage norms, among other violations, the authorities have failed to address the issue of bonded labour. He said that such omissions deny the labourers their rightful claim of rescue, release and rehabilitation under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976 and the Central Sector Scheme.

NHRC, India Secretary General, Shri Bharat Lal underscored the gaps in the implementation of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976 and rehabilitation of bonded labourers. He urged the district functionaries to address the plight of the labourers and give them a dignified life by implementing the law. He emphasised that any omission or inaction on the part of the authorities leaves these labourers in penury and they become victims of exploitation.

The Commission reviewed Action Taken Reports (ATRs) submitted by the DMs on the complaints under its consideration. The State Labour Commissioner assured that all the 216 cases will be reviewed, following which the requisite information and reports will be submitted to the Commission within three weeks. The authorities also assured that they would ensure full compliance with the Supreme Court directives and applicable laws for immediate remedial actions to address the issue of bonded labour.

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