Despite wide prevalence caste-based bonded labour system in the State, Odisha government is reluctant to avail the Central government’s assistance for rehabilitation of bonded labourers, alleged Odisha Gotimukti Andolan (OGA) that works for elimination of slavery and untouchability here on Sunday.
“The State government is absolutely indifferent for rehabilitating caste-based bonded labourers like barber, washer men and Dalits. No step has been taken to conduct survey on prevalence of bonded labour system in the State,” said Baghambar Patnaik, human rights activist and advisor to OGA, while addressing a press conference here. Mr. Patnaik alleged, “situation has come to such a pass that we had to prod the government for taking steps for rehabilitation of bonded labourers. We have moved Orissa High Court seeking direction to the government to avail Central funds for rehabilitation of bonded labourers and their families.”
Recently, Additional Session Judge of Puri had convicted 15 persons, including block Biju Janata Dal president, for socially boycotting six Dalit families in Gorual village in Puri’s Brahmagiri block, the OGA advisor said.
The upper caste repression on Dalit community was still existing, OGA advisor said, emphasising the government intervention in the issue.
Recently, about 40 legislators urged Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to seek assistance from the Union government for rehabilitation of bonded labour.
And if the State government feels that they are unable to provide 50 per cent share of the financial assistance for this purpose, due to financial constraints, it could seek total assistance from the Centre, Mr. Patnaik said.
