NHRC Takes Cognizance Of Forced Labour And Chains In Maharashtra, Seeks Detailed Report

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report revealing the distressing incident where 11 labourers were allegedly chained by a contractor in Osmanabad district, Maharashtra. The labourers were forced to work for twelve hours a day without wages, digging a well under inhumane conditions.

The report states that they were provided with only one meal a day and were compelled to relieve themselves inside the well. On June 17, 2023, one labourer managed to escape, reached his village in Hingoli district, and reported the torture to the police, leading to the rescue of the others.

The NHRC considers the alleged treatment of the labourers, if true, as a severe violation of their human rights. The mere rescue and arrest of some culprits will not suffice. Consequently, the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police of Maharashtra have been issued notices, requesting a detailed report within four weeks.

The report should include the current status of the investigation, actions taken against the perpetrators, and measures implemented or planned to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future.

Furthermore, the NHRC observes that the incident demonstrates a gross violation of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976 by the contractor. It also highlights the failure of the local administration in protecting the labourers from such brutality, indicating a lack of fear for the law among the responsible contractors. The officers who neglected their lawful duty should be held accountable according to the law.

To ensure the prompt release of all labourers and provide them with relief and rehabilitation as stipulated under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, it is essential for the administration to initiate proceedings according to labour laws. The District Magistrate of Osmanabad has the responsibility to enforce strict compliance with labour laws for the safety and security of labourers working under contractors in the area.

According to the media report published on June 21, 2023, these labourers had been engaged by the contractors for 2-3 months to dig wells in Khamaswadi and Wakharwadi villages within the Dhoki Police Station limits of Osmanabad. It is alleged that these contractors frequently employed such tactics, subjecting labourers to torturous conditions, leading the labourers to escape without claiming their wages due to fear of further abuse.