Kids rescued from bonded labour go off official radar

Lack of intra-dept coordination to blame for inadequate rehabilitation

- SIVAGURU S @Krishnagiri

THE illegal and ignoble practice of bonded labour is still rife in Krishnagiri district. The lack of coordination among various departments that have a stake in curbing it is being blamed for inadequate rehabilitation of those rescued.

This has been proved by two instances, years apart, when children who were rescued are no longer traceable, though it is mandatory for the authorities to follow up.

Only last week the school education department helpline — 14417 — received information that a 13-year-old tribal boy near Thalli was working in a brick-kiln unit at Chinnaubbanur village as a bonded labourer.

He was rescued by the personnel of the child protection unit, labour department, police, and revenue department. A case was filed against the landowner and the boy was enrolled back to school near Thalli. Inquiry revealed the boy was sent for garden work for ₹25,000 per year.