The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is set to address 216 cases of suspected bonded labor in brick kilns situated in various districts of Uttar Pradesh on April 16.
Justice V. Ramasubramanian, the chairperson, will conduct these hearings virtually. The commission has mandated that the chief secretary of the state or their representative, the labor commissioner, and all relevant district magistrates be present during the proceedings.
The NHRC has emphasized that the involved authorities should provide comprehensive reports detailing the measures taken for the identification, liberation, skill development, and rehabilitation of bonded laborers, alongside their registrations on the e-Shram portal.
Dr. Tina Kuriakose Jacob, an expert in bonded labor, migration, and human trafficking, highlighted that since 1997, the NHRC has been acting as a monitor appointed by the Supreme Court to oversee the enforcement of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act of 1976. The commission routinely reviews instances of bonded labor and worker distress throughout the nation.
Dr. Jacob noted that NHRC plays a crucial role in providing both policy oversight and implementation support through its Core Group on Bonded Labour, conducting open camp meetings across various states to address cases impacting vulnerable groups. Uttar Pradesh has historically reported a significant number of bonded labor complaints to the NHRC.
Regarding the volume of cases, she mentioned that Uttar Pradesh is the leading recipient of rehabilitation funds for bonded labor from the Central Sector under the Ministry of Labour.
“An evaluation of the government’s rehabilitation scheme for bonded labor indicates that Uttar Pradesh accounts for approximately 43 percent of individuals released and rehabilitated since 2015. Engaging in discussions with the Bonded Labour System Abolition (BLSA) implementors in Uttar Pradesh helps us assess the effectiveness of benefits reaching bonded labor victims and the protective measures enacted by the government to ensure safe and fair employment,” she stated.
Jacob further asserted that conducting similar evaluations across states and addressing grievances related to interstate bonded labor issues would enhance the justice system’s efficacy. She emphasized that these discussions with state governments could clarify the necessary training, resources, and support required at the district level to effectively handle bonded labor complaints.
She underscored that the problem of bonded labor extends beyond brick kilns. In light of current worker distress due to wage disputes and exploitative practices amid economic uncertainties, there is an urgent need for broader consultations and assurances for unorganized workers, who are integral to India’s economy.
Earlier in January, the NHRC proactively responded to a media report concerning a minor boy from Kishanganj, Bihar, who was coerced into bonded labor after becoming separated from his father at the Bahadurgarh Railway Station in Haryana.
The boy reportedly exited the train to get water but was unable to reboard due to the crowd, resulting in him missing the train. He endured hardships for eight months before being rescued, suffering a severe injury that left him with a severed left elbow.
The NHRC remarked that the allegations raised serious human rights concerns, prompting the issuance of notices to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police in Haryana, as well as the Police Commissioner in Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, and the District Magistrate in Kishanganj, Bihar. The commission expects responses from these officials within two weeks, as stated in a press release dated January 15.
The NHRC also instructed relevant authorities to report whether any compensation had been awarded and if a disability certificate had been issued to assist the victim in obtaining benefits under the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) Act of 2016.
In March of the previous year, the NHRC initiated an on-site investigation regarding the alleged suicide of a Nepali engineering student in her hostel room at KIIT, Bhubaneswar, which occurred on February 16. The commission also took note of a complaint regarding the alleged murder of a soldier from Gujarat aboard the Jammu Tawi-Sabarmati Express by a coach attendant while passing through Rajasthan, subsequently issuing notices to senior railway officials for an action report.
Moreover, last October, the NHRC took notice of media reports concerning the alleged torture of a teenage boy in police custody at a station in Rajkot district, Gujarat, and requested a detailed report from the state’s Director General of Police within a fortnight.
Jagriti Rai is a journalist with The Indian Express, focusing on the intersection of law, gender, and society. She works on a specialized legal desk, aiming to make complex legal frameworks accessible to the public and exploring how changes in judiciary and legislation influence citizens’ daily lives.
With a socio-legal specialization, Jagriti provides a critical, human-centered viewpoint on contemporary social issues, emphasizing the implications of legal changes on gender rights and marginalized communities.
Having over four years of experience in both digital and traditional media, she has honed a versatile reporting style. Her previous work at popular platforms such as The Lallantop and Dainik Bhaskar has equipped her with valuable insights into the information needs of a diverse audience across India.
Jagriti holds a postgraduate degree in Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), recognized as India’s leading media training institution.
