NHRC not satisfied with the action of the Telangana authorities, recommends release and rehabilitation of a minor bonded labour girl

New Delhi, 27/04/2021

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC India, contrary to the initial reports from the public authorities in Telangana, has found that a minor girl from Odisha was kept as a bonded labour at a brick kiln in Hyderabad, as the money borrowed by her mother from the agent of the brick kiln owner could not repay and died due to illness. The Commission has asked the DM, Telangana to issue her release certificate and start the process of her rehabilitation. The Chief Secretary, Govt. of Telangana has been directed to get enquired why the Assistant Commissioner of Labour, at Hyderabad did not associate the complainant before sending the report and record the statement of the victim before sending the report to it.

Earlier, in a response to the notices of the Commission, the Assistant Labour Commissioner, Hyderabad had submitted a report stating that the mother went to Odisha in February 2020 after borrowing Rs. 32,000/- for treatment. She passed away on 04.05.2020. Her daughter could not go because of lockdown. After issue of movement pass, she went to Odisha on 29.05.2020 and Rs. 2,000/- was also paid as return journey allowance as per the provisions of Inter-State Migrant Workers Act.

However, the Commission found it difficult to believe that a minor daughter would leave her sick mother alone and stay back at the brick kiln. The Commission also observed that the authorities had not taken the statement of the victim girl, to ascertain whether the statement of the employer was correct or not. Therefore, the District Magistrate, Hyderabad and the District Magistrate, Nabarangpur, Odisha were directed to enquire into the matter afresh and submit a detailed report to the Commission.

The Commission considering the material on record, held that the victim could not return to her village despite death of her mother as her employer did not allow her to leave the place. She had been forced to work till settlement of advance received by them. She returned only with the help of the Local Public Representatives, District Administration and State Labour Machinery in the month of June 2020. The Commission observed that the victim appeared to have been forced to do the work till the settlement of advance taken by her mother.

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