During 16-17 November 2014, about 43 bonded labourers were released from poultry farms (chicken breeding farms) situated in Aniyar & Vangil villages, Mohanoor Block, Namakkal District. Out of these released bonded labourers, 39 were women. They were transported to the native place for rehabilitation by the district government. (Following that, the district administration is also taking several steps to monitor all work sites and listing socio-economic conditions of the labourers. Officers such as SDM and labour inspectors are making continuous inspection of various work sites. Another special training was conducted on 18 November 2014 for 120 owners (creditors) by the district collector on the importance and value of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976.
These people were working as labourers for Rs.130 per day as wages but unfortunately these wages didn’t reach them but were handed over to “agents”. The workers were only provided food and accommodation. These workers did not have the right to move out of the compound and their freedom were restricted. Based on these issues, the 43 bonded labourers were released and provided Rs. 1,000 immediately by the district magistrate. Four leading newspapers covered the story and Mr. C. Mani coordinated and communicated the matter to the NASC office. Cases were filed against 4 owners of poultry farms and government officers took serious action against the bondage system in the district.
These people were from Chhattisgarh and they were all transported back to their native place with the support of district government officers.
Changes in Government System
Post this rescue, owners of all poultry farms gathered together and met the district collector and explained that they do not know about the BLSA Act and because of that the district collector and RDOs called for a meeting with the owners of all the poultry farms. The invitation was sent to all owners through a newspaper advertisement. The meeting talked about the conditions of workers and gave detailed training about the Minimum Wages Act, Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act and the Inter-state Migrants Act and on human rights.
The meeting was attended by the DM, SDM, Labour Inspector, ADTW and other officers as well as 120 owners. The collector asked the owners to follow the laws and rules and provide good wages, safety, and protection to their workers. The government is also collecting information about the number of workers, their wages, conditions and other aspects. Also the DM asked owners to ensure that all workers have a bank account and are paid all their wages there. The DM also instructed the labour inspector to ensure that all labourers are members of the Unorganised Workers Welfare Board.
Written by Mani, posted by the Bandhua 1947 Campaign on behalf of National Adivasi Solitary Council (NASC).
Bandhua 1947 