Govt guidelines issued to rescue bonded labourers

The Delhi government has issued the standard operating procedure ( SOP) to all the officers concerned for rescue and financial assistance of bonded labourers in the national capital.

According to the SOP, the information received by the district magistrates ( DMs) or sub- divisional magistrates ( SDMs) pertaining to bonded labourers, must be kept strictly confidential and the rescue should be done within 24 to 48 hours.

“The rescue must be done in a manner that assures all victims of their safety and dignity. Representatives from various departments involved in the operation, particularly the police department, must be present on the ground at the time of rescue,” it stated.

The Delhi government’s revenue department has issued the SOP, which also states that the rescued victims should be separated from the

◗ According to the SOP, information received by the DMs or SDMs about bonded labourers, must be kept strictly confidential and the rescue operation should be done within 24 to 48 hours

accused and he or she should be taken directly to the DM or SDM offices.

It also stated that the authorities concerned should also provide financial assistance to the rescued victims.

An official of the labour department said that the move will ensure better coordination between different departments in rescuing the bonded labours.

“On the basis of the preliminary inquiry and information recorded, the DMs and SDMs must make a prime- facie finding/ report as to whether the case is one of bonded labour or not and pass an order recording the same within 24 hours.