Post News Network
Bolangir, Dec 10: Hundred of bonded labourers, rescued from different corners of the country and brought here for rehabilitation, Thursday held a dharna against the authorities as they allegedly reneged on their assurance to rehabilitate them.
They alleged that years have passed since they were rescued from bondage but the government is sitting on their applications to rehabilitate them as they were promised. Several representations to the authorities have proved futile. Irate over the prolonged apathy by the administration, bonded labourers in the district, considered to be a hotbed of bonded labour in the state, came together to sit on a dharna.
“I had gone to a brick-kiln in Andhra Pradesh in 2012. We were rescued and given released certificates with an assurance that Rs 19,000 would be given to us in our home state. After returning home, I approached the local block officials and I was told to contact BDO and WEO to get the rehabilitation assistance. I submitted papers to them. But till today I have not received the assistance as envisaged in the bonded labour system (abolitions) Actof 1976,” said Ragu Deep of Dumerpitha village of Deogaon block in this district.
I had gone to a brick kiln in Tamil Nadu in 2011 and we were rescued from there. After returning here I submitted the documents to block officials. They did not listen to our demands. Till today I have not received rehabilitation assistance from the block, said Dhuba Chinagur of Saan Patrapali of Naren GP of Titiligarh.
Several Bonded laboueres of Bolangir district staged a dharna before the Collectorate on occasion the Human Rights Day Thursday, demanding immediate payment of their pending rehabilitation assistance and their inclusion in different social security schemes and a comprehensive plan for their proper rehabilitation.
So far 276 bonded labourers of Bolangir district are yet to receive their rehabilitation assistance. “We demand that rehabilitation assistance be paid to us immediately and a comprehensive social security and livelihood plan be prepared and implemented for proper rehabilitation, says Motlial Tandi, president of Dadan and Goti Surakshya Manch, Bolangir.
