47 bonded labourers rescued in Vellore

Chennai: As many as 47 bonded labourers working at a brick-kiln in Pudur village of Vellore district were rescued on Friday by officials from National Adivasi Solidarity Council (NASC) and Vellore revenue department.

Belonging to Vellore, Krishnagiri and Kanchepuram districts, the labourers including 12men, 13 women, 16 boys and 6 girls 6 belong to the Irula community.

They had allegedly obtained a loan ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 70,000 from brick kiln owner.

Dr. K. Krishnan, executive director of National Adivasi Solidarity Council (NASC), said that the labourers faced physical and verbal abuse at the brick kiln. “They were never allowed to go outside and was paid a meager amount of Rs 300 per week (per person). The management of brick kiln indulged in many violations that include lack of freedom of movement and freedom of employment,” Dr Krishnan told DC. Labourers were forced to live on the premises of the owners’ property or within the brick-kiln worksite, it was learnt.

They have been trying to escape since three years, but did not know of whom to contact for help. Life took a positive turn for the labourers after they met members of the National Adivasi Solidarity Council (NASC) at the weekly market and sought help.

“The NASC team gathered more information on their problems and conducted a rescue operation only after verifying the details,” added Krishnan. The team was supported by Ajay Srinivasan, revenue department officer, who is the Vellore sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) and the local police force.

The district collector would issue the release certificates and provide rehabilitation to the members, under Bonded Labour System Abolition Act. NASC team members  A.P.Kanniappan, Ammu, Rani, Murugesan and U.Jagan are working on an action plan for better rehabilitation, legal aid, and follow-up work along with the support of the state government.