The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) will conduct an online hearing to address 86 cases of alleged bonded labour in brick kilns across various districts in Haryana on 9th of this month. NHRC Chairperson, Justice V. Ramasubramanian will chair the virtual hearing. NHRC said that the authorities are expected to present detailed reports on the actions taken, including the identification and release of bonded labourers as well as their registration on the e-Shram portal, a central platform for unorganised workers. The hearing will focus on the assessment of the action taken by the District Magistrates on the complaints sent to them by the NHRC, along with the status of compliance with the provisions of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976 and the orders of the Apex Court in the Bandhua Mukti Morcha and Asiad Workers’ cases, among other related issues.
The Commission will also review the status of rehabilitation packages, including financial aid, skill training and alternate livelihoods, the progress of e-Shram portal registrations to secure social security benefits for rescued labourers and the measures taken to prevent recurrence in the identified districts. NHRC has directed the State Chief Secretary or his nominee, Labour Commissioner, along with all concerned District Magistrates to be present during the online hearing.
