NHRC secures release of 58 bonded labourers in Haryana

New Delhi, Feb.18 (ANI): Officers of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) have secured the release of 58 bonded labourers, 40 adults and 83 children from four Bhatta companies in Bahadurgarh, Haryana.

A NHRC media release said that the labourers hailed from different districts of Western Uttar Pradesh, and there release was secured after an on-the-spot investigation of the four premises.

The spot inquiries were carried out at V.A.V.S. Bhatta Company, Kanonda, Bahadurgarh, S.P. Bhatta Company, Goyala Kalon, Bahadurgarh, K.P. Bhatta Company, Bhupina, Bahadurgarh and Friends Bhatta Company, Goyala Kalon.

From V.A.V.S. Bhatta Company, 29 bonded labourers along with 21 children of their families were released. 14 bonded labourers along with 20 adult members and 28 children in their families were released from S.P. Bhatta Company. From K.P. Bhatta Company 8 bonded labourers along with 13 adult members and 14 children in their families were released. Seven bonded labourers along with 7 adults members and 20 children in their family were released from Friends Bhatta Company.

The Executive Magistrate of Bahadurgarh, in the presence of NHRC officers identified the bonded labourers released and forwarded their names to District Magistrate, Jhajjar requesting him to take up the issue of their rehabilitation with their concerned district authorities as per the government's directions.

He has also written to concerned authorities, including S.H.O. of the area, to take appropriate action against the owners and proprietors of the Bhatta Companies who have violated the provisions of Bonded Labour System (Abolition Act, 1976) and other labour related laws.

Bahadurgarh falls in Haryana's Jhajjar District. (ANI)