Pic of the rescued youths who hail from UP
The Trust then approached Raigad collector Kishan Jawale and Superintendent of Police Aanchal Dalal, following which a joint search and rescue operation was launched by the district administration and police. Every released bonded labourer must receive a release certificate, pending wages, compensation and the benefits of government rehabilitation schemes.
“Bonded labour is a violation of constitutional rights; we were tipped off that the condition of the 9 young workers at the quarry site was in a pitiable condition, and they feared for their lives due to the exploitation they suffered,” said the director of Ankur Trust, Dr Vaishali Patil. Dr Patil said, “Bonded labour is not merely economic exploitation; it is a violation of human freedom, dignity and constitutional rights. ” SDO Sandeep Sanap said efforts would be made to coordinate with the Uttar Pradesh govt to ensure that the rescued workers receive rehabilitation assistance, financial support, livelihood opportunities and social security.
The case recently came to light after Raigad-based Ankur Trust received discreet information about the alleged exploitation at the quarry owned by Laxman Ramji Tambe. The rescued workers were issued release certificates and sent to their native place, Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh, under police protection and with revenue officials accompanying them. Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), Mangaon, Sandeep Sanap was appointed nodal officer for the operation. A team comprising Tala Tehsildar Swati Patil, labour department officials and Tala police coordinated the rescue. The team assembled at the Tala Tehsil office before proceeding to the remote quarry site. The quarry owner’s associates, identified as supervisors Sudam Rathod and Suman, were among those booked. The accused have been arrested. After two years, the young men from UP were overwhelmed with emotion at the prospect of returning home. However, rescue and transportation to their native place cannot be the end of the process. For the nine young men, freedom has come after two years. Ensuring that they rebuild their lives with dignity and security is now the bigger challenge.