Jajpur administration rescues six children from bonded labour

Bhubaneswar, Oct 19: The Jajpur district administration successfully rescued six children who had been forced into labor to settle their parents' debts. Following a tip-off, a special task force was established on Thursday, comprising the District Child Protection Officer (DCPO), local police, revenue officials, and members of the Vigilance Committee.

The task force conducted raids across various locations, including two car wash units, a grocery shop, a dhaba, and a goat grazing site. The children, aged between 11 and 14, were discovered working under harsh conditions, often for over 14 hours a day with meager compensation. This practice of bonded labor remains illegal yet continues to persist in many regions of the state.

One rescued boy, Akash Purty from Jharkhand, shared his experience of being forced to work without proper pay after his father had accepted an advance of Rs 8,000 from the car wash owner. Another child, Laxman Chattar, recounted how he was made to work despite an injury.

During the inquiry, officials identified key elements of bonded labor, including debt, lack of freedom, and unfair wages. The children are now housed in a shelter home, where they will receive counseling and rehabilitation. Legal action will be taken against the employers under various laws, including the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976. The district administration has called for public vigilance in reporting cases of child labor exploitation.