New Delhi, 10 July (H.S.):

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian on Friday emphasised the need to establish a dedicated helpline to maintain comprehensive employment records of workers while virtually hearing 86 cases related to alleged bonded labour at brick kilns in Haryana.

During the hearing, Justice Ramasubramanian observed that in most of the cases, the concerned government authorities had failed to properly examine relevant documents and records. As a result, they did not possess sufficient and credible evidence to establish whether the individuals concerned were bonded labourers. He said that introducing a dedicated helpline would not only help maintain accurate records of workers' employment but also facilitate timely assistance and contribute to preventing such incidents in the future.

Advising officials to remain vigilant, the NHRC Chairperson directed that whenever a team is constituted to investigate complaints related to bonded labour, it must strictly adhere to the revised Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the Ministry of Labour and Employment on May 14, 2026.

During the proceedings, the Commission also conducted a detailed review of the action taken reports submitted by various districts. Following the review, Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi and Labour Commissioner Vijay Kumar Bhavikatti assured the Commission that the state government would re-examine all 86 cases thoroughly and submit a comprehensive report at the earliest.

They further assured the Commission that the re-investigation would be carried out in full compliance with the directions of the Supreme Court and the applicable laws of the country, ensuring that affected workers receive prompt and appropriate relief.

The Commission also undertook a detailed examination of the action taken reports presented by district administrators during the hearing.

Among those present during the virtual proceedings were NHRC Joint Secretary Sameer Kumar, Joint Registrar (Law) Inderjit Kumar, Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, Labour Commissioner Vijay Kumar Bhavikatti, and Deputy Commissioners from all districts of the state.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar