Karwar: Uttara Kannada Deputy Commissioner (DC) K. Lakshmi Priya has directed officials to work effectively in eliminating the bonded labour system across the district by intensifying inspections within their respective jurisdictions.
She was speaking at a workshop organized at the DC office conference hall in collaboration with the district administration, the Zilla Panchayat, and the Labour Department on the occasion of Bonded Labour System Eradication Day.
"Many individuals trapped in bonded labour are not even aware of their exploitation. Therefore, awareness programs should be conducted throughout the district to educate people about the issue. Those identified as bonded labourers must be rescued and provided with rehabilitation facilities," she emphasized.
The DC further stated that those liberated from bonded labour should be given financial assistance, housing support, skill development training, healthcare facilities, and access to education for their children. She also stressed that strict legal action must be taken against those engaging in bonded labour practices under various laws, including the Labour Act, Minimum Wages Act, Child Labour Prohibition Act, and the SC/ST Atrocities Act.
Senior Civil Judge and Member Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, Divyashree C.M., administered an oath against bonded labour and highlighted that illiteracy, poverty, and unemployment are exploited to push innocent individuals into the system. She noted that bonded labour has evolved into an organized crime, with victims often trapped in debt cycles, leading to human trafficking. She urged officials to remain vigilant and take necessary action to prevent such exploitation.
William Christopher, a member of the State High-Level Committee on Human Trafficking and Bonded Labour, participated in the workshop as a resource person. He stated that bonded labour is still prevalent in many parts of Karnataka, and officials must thoroughly understand its forms. He emphasized that the economically and socially weaker sections suffer the most and called for stringent legal action against those responsible.
To control and eliminate bonded labour in the state, a notification has been issued designating 52 officers from 15 departments as bonded labour prohibition officers. These officers are responsible for identifying and reporting bonded labour cases. The authority to rescue and rehabilitate bonded labourers has been assigned to the Deputy Commissioners.
The workshop was attended by Karwar Sub-Divisional Officer Kanishka, Zilla Panchayat Deputy Secretary Prakash Halammanavar, tahsildars from all taluks, Taluk Panchayat Executive Officers, and various department officials.