Thursday, June 21, 2012

25 bonded labourers rescued



Chennai:
Twenty-five bonded labourers were rescued from a rice mill and a quarry in Madurantakam in Kancheepuram district, according to sources.

Acting on a complaint by International Justice Mission (IJM), Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) In-charge of Maduranthakam Revenue Division in Kancheepuram District along with International Justice Mission (IJM) conducted these rescue operations and rescued the labourers from a rice mill and a rock quarry.  

A total of 32 people were brought out of the facilities after approximately four to five years in bondage, IJM sources said.

The operators of Siva Rice Mill and Muthu Rock Breaking Unit in Mathuranthagam Taluk paid the victims approximately Rs 75 per person, per week, which is way below the Tamil Nadu Minimum Wage of Rs 136.02 per day.

Immediately after the rescue operation, the district administration conducted an enquiry into the facilities’ and found that 25 bonded labourers were victims of illegal forced labour practices.

The RDO then issued release certificates to the 25 bonded labourers, officially identifying them as victims of bonded labour and entitling them to government rehabilitation funds.

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