40 Rescued from Bonded Labour in Prakasam District

Rapid Summary

• 40 individuals, including 17 from Odisha and 23 from Chhattisgarh, were rescued from bonded labour in two shrimp factories in tanguturu mandal, Prakasam district (Andhra Pradesh).
• The victims included minors and were subjected to poor working conditions with inadequate accomodation, food, and payment.
• District Collector A. Thameem Ansaria handed over relief certificates at her camp office in Ongole on Tuesday.
• Officials have been directed to ensure the victims receive lawful payments for their work and are provided transport back to their native places.
• Rescue operations were initiated based on facts shared by Bastar District Collector (Chhattisgarh) and facilitated by voluntary organizations.
• Legal cases have been filed against the shrimp factories under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) act, Child Labour (Prohibition) Act, and Minimum Wages Acts.
• A special bus arranged for repatriation of victims was accompanied by officials from Bastar district.

!Prakasam District Collector handing over a relief certificate

Indian Opinion analysis

The rescue of bonded workers underscores persistent human rights issues associated with labour exploitation in specific sectors like fisheries. While commendable efforts were made by authorities to address immediate concerns-relief certificates issued, payments ensured as per law-the incident reveals systemic gaps requiring stronger enforcement of labor protection laws.Coordination between states played a crucial role here; such practices can serve as a model for combating inter-state trafficking networks.

Moreover, legal proceedings initiated against the offending factories mark an essential step towards accountability but must culminate in robust penalties that deter similar practices. Ensuring sustainable rehabilitation through psychosocial support or livelihood programs might also help break cycles of exploitation within vulnerable communities like migrants or minors targeted by middlemen.

Read more: Source Link