Plea to rehabilitate bonded labourers

15 workers were rescued last year

The Puducherry Scheduled Tribes People’s Federation has urged the Puducherry Government to take necessary steps for the rehabilitation of 15 bonded labourers rescued from a brick kiln in 2016.

Speaking to reporters here on Wednesday, the federation president K. Ramkumar, said that the 15 bonded labourers belonging to Irular community were forced to work more than 22 hours a day by the brick kiln owner for paltry wages.

Though a clear case of bonded labourer was made out and a Release Certificate was issued, the Revenue authorities failed to take action for their rehabilitation.

As per the revised Central Sector Scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourer – 2016, the rehabilitation package shall be ₹1 lakh per adult male beneficiary.

Similarly, for forced child labour and women, the amount of rehabilitation shall be ₹2 lakh out of which at least ₹1.25 lakh shall be deposited in an annuity scheme in the name of each beneficiary.

Demand for house site

Mr. Ramkumar also wanted the government to allot house site and agricultural land and low cost dwelling units to the workers. The government should also ensure employment and enforcement of minimum wages to them, he said.