Seminar on Bonded Labour alleviation and rehabilitation at Allahabad<
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The Chairperson expressed his opinion that poverty is the biggest violation of human rights. He has highlighted the need for concrete action to be taken and in the right direction to alleviate this curse. While speaking as the Chief Guest at a seminar on Bonded Labour Alleviation and Rehabilitation at Allahabad on 11 November 2003, Dr. Justice A.S. Anand pointed out the fact that despite poverty alleviation programmes a considerable percentage of the population still live in inhuman condition. Their poverty is exploited in many ways with bonded labour being one of them. He added that in the absence of prosecution of the employers this practice continues.
Dr. Justice Anand pointed out that the track record of none of the State Governments has been good so far as prosecution in cases of bonded labour is concerned. He suggested that identification of cases, release of bonded labourers, their rehabilitation and prosecution of culprits be seriously undertaken.
He assured that lack of funds would not be allowed to come in the way of rehabilitation. He said the amount should be raised from Rs. 50 lakh to 100 lakh, which should be contributed, equally by the Union and the State Governments.
He said Laws and Acts to abolish bonded labour would be of little effect unless the members of the civil society are awakened because the offenders are from the society.
He called upon the NGOs to file writ petitions in courts against the offenders. An initiative had been taken in this direction in 1976, but things did not change at the required pace in 27 years. Concrete action is therefore needed to fight this menace and find out a solution to make the future of the poor workers better.
Dr. Justice Anand pointed out that the track record of none of the State Governments has been good so far as prosecution in cases of bonded labour is concerned. He suggested that identification of cases, release of bonded labourers, their rehabilitation and prosecution of culprits be seriously undertaken.
He assured that lack of funds would not be allowed to come in the way of rehabilitation. He said the amount should be raised from Rs. 50 lakh to 100 lakh, which should be contributed, equally by the Union and the State Governments.
He said Laws and Acts to abolish bonded labour would be of little effect unless the members of the civil society are awakened because the offenders are from the society.
He called upon the NGOs to file writ petitions in courts against the offenders. An initiative had been taken in this direction in 1976, but things did not change at the required pace in 27 years. Concrete action is therefore needed to fight this menace and find out a solution to make the future of the poor workers better.