Workshop on Bonded Labour
The plight of bonded labourers in Bihar State and efforts that can be taken to free them were discussed at a sensitization workshop conducted by the Commission in collaboration with the Labour Department of the Government of Bihar in Patna on 9 January 2004.
Addressing the participants, who included the District Magistrates of several districts and state level officials of the Labour and Social Welfare Department of the State, the Chairperson, Dr. Justice A.S. Anand said that there is a need to conduct a survey and assess the magnitude of the problem in the State. In this exercise the authorities concerned are required to be sensitive and vigilant about the relapse of freed bonded labourers and their ineffective rehabilitation.
Shri Chaman Lal, Special Rapporteur, NHRC said that after identifying bonded labourers the District authorities should play an important role in their release and rehabilitation. He also said that the Commission has already submitted a report on the Mushahars to the Bihar Government with an action plan for their all round development.
Addressing the participants, who included the District Magistrates of several districts and state level officials of the Labour and Social Welfare Department of the State, the Chairperson, Dr. Justice A.S. Anand said that there is a need to conduct a survey and assess the magnitude of the problem in the State. In this exercise the authorities concerned are required to be sensitive and vigilant about the relapse of freed bonded labourers and their ineffective rehabilitation.
Shri Chaman Lal, Special Rapporteur, NHRC said that after identifying bonded labourers the District authorities should play an important role in their release and rehabilitation. He also said that the Commission has already submitted a report on the Mushahars to the Bihar Government with an action plan for their all round development.