Activists Halt Bonded Labor: Tribal Families Liberated from Brick Kiln

Activists in Palghar district liberated 10 tribal families from working at a brick kiln through the intervention against 'bayana.' Commonly seen as a trap for bonded labor, 'bayana' involves advance payment, often leaving laborers in a cycle of debt. The intervention led to the signing of an affidavit to ensure lawful employment terms.

In a commendable move, activists have rescued ten tribal families from Palghar district from the clutches of bonded labor at a brick kiln. This action comes after the intervention against the prevalent 'bayana' mechanism, where laborers receive advance payments, trapping them in a cycle of debt.

The non-governmental organization Shramajeevi Sanghatana, through the efforts of Balaram Bhoir and Vijay Jadhav, facilitated the refusal of Katkari families from Takvahal's Rinjdpada to work under such oppressive conditions. They also prompted the kiln owner to sign an affidavit, acknowledging the illegality of 'bayana' under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act 1976.

This affidavit ensures the waiver of any advance payments, mandates cash payment at legal rates, and guarantees no coercion or deductions, ensuring full transparency. Significantly, it lists the names and addresses of all laborers involved, protecting their rights under the organization's supervision.

(With inputs from agencies.)