1,444 rescued bonded labourers rehabilitated in last 5 yrs

CHENNAI: The State Labour Department has rehabilitated 1,444 rescued bonded labourers in the last five years. It was a part of the integrated approach by various stakeholders to achieve bonded labour free Tamil Nadu, said Commissioner of Labour Atul Anand.

Administering the oath against the bonded labourer system during the Bonded Labourer System Abolition Day Awareness Programme, Anand said that the labour department along with revenue, police and judiciary were taking several measures to end bonded labour systems in the state.

The government had disbursed Rs 3.03 crore as rehabilitation of the rescued bonded labourers between March 2017 and December 2022.

He also applauded the non-government organisations for their contribution to identify bonded labourers and assisting the government machinery in freeing them from the clutches of the bond labourer system.

Chief of the Political and Economic Section, US Consulate - Chennai, Virsa Perkins, while addressing the gathering, appreciated the Tamil Nadu government for being the first state in India to observe February 9 as Bonded Labour System Abolition Day. Since abolishing the practice of bonded labour in 1976, India has achieved a notable progress in combating this exploitative system.

“This day will serve as a reminder for governments and civil society to keep up the momentum until there is complete eradication of bonded labour in TN and throughout India,” she said.

Citing the July 2022 report on Trafficking in Persons by the US government, she said nearly 25 million people are currently victims of trafficking in 188 countries, including the United States.

She continued that their government was committed to fighting this problem. She emphasised the importance of creating awareness around combating human trafficking. On the occasion, police officers and officials from the Labour department were felicitated for their remarkable work in combating the bonded labour system in their respective jurisdictions.