Balangir, November 14: Calling for stronger action against bonded labour, survivors under the banner of Shrama Vahini on Saturday urged Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to declare February 9 as ‘Bonded Labour Abolition Day’ and introduce a comprehensive State Action Plan to prevent and eliminate the exploitative practice.

A delegation of survivors led by Shrama Vahini secretary Ranjita Rana submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister at Patharchepa Ground in Balangir on Saturday during the latter’s his visit to the district along with Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

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The survivors pointed out that the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, has completed 50 years this year. They cited Tamil Nadu, which observes February 9 every year as Bonded Labour Abolition Day, and noted that Karnataka and Telangana have also taken similar initiatives.

Raising concerns over the continued exploitation of migrant workers, the survivors said thousands of people from Odisha migrate to other states every year in search of employment. Many take advance payments or loans before leaving home, making them vulnerable to debt bondage, forced labour and exploitation, particularly in brick kilns and other industries.

While several workers have been rescued from such situations, delayed rehabilitation assistance remains a major challenge. The survivors said the lack of timely support makes it difficult for rescued workers and their families to rebuild their lives and regain financial stability.

Seeking a policy-level response, the delegation proposed that February 9 be officially observed as Bonded Labour Abolition Day across Odisha. They said the annual observance would provide an opportunity to raise awareness about workers' rights, bonded labour and available government support. Awareness campaigns, Gram Sabha discussions, recognition of survivor leaders and reviews of rescue and rehabilitation efforts could be organised at village, block and district levels.

The memorandum also stressed the need for a comprehensive State Action Plan with clearly defined responsibilities for various government departments. Strengthening Vigilance Committees, improving monitoring mechanisms, promoting community awareness and ensuring adequate budgetary allocations for rehabilitation programmes were among the key suggestions.