New Delhi

NHRC chairperson Justice V Ramasubramanian (retd) has urged officers to remain vigilant while dealing with cases of bonded labour and emphasised the need to launch a helpline so that labourers can seek help when needed.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on July 9 heard online 86 cases of alleged bonded labour in brick kilns across various districts of Haryana, the rights panel said on Friday.

Justice Ramasubramanian presided over the hearing that saw participation of several senior officials of the state government and various district magistrates in Haryana.

He said in most of the cases, the records had "not been properly examined" by the government functionaries concerned. "Therefore, they did not have credible evidence to declare the labourers as bonded labourers," the rights panel said in a statement.

The NHRC chief urged the officers to remain vigilant while dealing with cases of bonded labour.

He further asked them to follow the requirements laid down in the 'Standard Operating Procedure for Identification and Rescue of Bonded Labourers and Prosecution of Offenders', issued by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, vide letter, dated May 14, while constituting a team for an inquiry into a complaint.

He also emphasised the need to launch a helpline so that labourers can seek help when needed to help track the incidents of bonded labour.

Samir Kumar, joint secretary, NHRC, highlighted the need to comply with the panel's directions and take action as per its 'Advisory 2.0 to Identify, Release and Rehabilitate Bonded Labourers'.

The Haryana chief secretary, the labour commissioner and the DMs, presented the bonded labour cases during the hearing. The Commission reviewed the action taken reports submitted by the DMs on the complaints, under its consideration, the statement said.

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The state's chief secretary and the labour commissioner assured the NHRC that all the 86 cases would be "reviewed", and the requisite information and reports would be submitted thereafter. They also assured the Commission that full compliance with the directions of the Supreme Court and the applicable laws would be ensured to facilitate "immediate remedial action" in cases relating to bonded labour, it said.