This refers to the article (editorial page, “Building blocks of servitude,” June 19) that highlights the reality of crores of people in India who are trapped in bonded labour. A team of us lawyers and social workers began focussing on bonded labour in 2001. Our first-hand experience can confirm the grim situation as reported in the article. Many bonded labourers in brick kilns are migratory labourers from vulnerable castes or tribes.
Without a sufficient social safety net, freed labourers are susceptible to the same traps that initially locked them into a cycle of endless servitude. It is only when India’s leaders make a firm commitment to ending the shameful practice of bonded labour that everyone can celebrate the great cities and economic marvels of a rising India.
Andy Griffiths,
Chennai
