Rehab goals includede-addiction, upskilling

As they toiled in a brick kiln in Kolaganahalli for 10 years, bonded labourers Shivamma and her husband Venkatesh had no clue they would one day champion a fight against the practice.

The couple, now living in Ramanagara district, spend their weekends visiting worksites and sensitising people against the bonded labour system.

“We talk to bonded labourers, motivate them, and when they are mentally prepared to face the situation, inform the district administration and social workers,” Shivamma told DH. Some volunteers have joined hands with the couple in the cause.

Incidentally, the first conviction under IPC Section 370 after it was changed in 2013 took place in a case relating to the couple. “The brick kiln owner eventually came out on bail and there are rumours people from Odisha are now employed in the unit,” she said.

Shivamma has observed more and more labourers coming in from neighbouring states. The district administration has conducted two raids based on tip-offs given by her team. Kencha, a bonded labourer rescued from a brick kiln in Jigani, has created employment for others by setting up a flour mill.

Counselling sessions

These two cases show the positive impact of a comprehensive rehabilitation programme. “The aftercare programme of International Justice Mission (IJM) has produced a few such empowered souls,” said Prathima of IJM. In a majority of cases, workers are traumatised because of physical and verbal abuse, curtailed freedom and sexual harassment. “We work with the government to provide them with medical assistance and counselling. Our social workers work closely with the families during the period,” Prathima said.

Substance abuse is another challenge during rehabilitation. Supervisors at the worksites generally make workers drink liquor to make them endure and work longer, and to suppress them from raising a voice against the owner.

Linking bonded labour survivors to government programmes, upgrading their skills, opening bank accounts, enrolling children in school and getting them ID cards are some important aspects of rehabilitation.

“The rehabilitation should help these families get back into the community after two years and enjoy better livelihood opportunities. We are working with the government to fill the gaps,” said Prathima.

While some positive stories have emerged, a reasonably good life still eludes thousands freed from bondage.

Experts attribute this to lack of counselling, skill development, and ability to access land and other benefits under various government schemes.

Kadireppa of Suddekunte village in Madhugiri taluk of Tumakuru district said, “How can we build a new life with a compensation of just Rs 20,000? The government should give additional financial support or sanction loans.” What can help, he believes, are far-sighted programmes and effective implementation.

“While many of us are landless, even those who have inherited a piece of land don’t have khata records. If this continues, our children will be forced into the same conditions we endured,” he said.