Legal Awareness and Collective Efforts Are Essential to Eradicate the Stigma of Bonded and Child Labour – ADJ Sharma

Udaipur: Due to the proactive efforts of the state government and the police department in Rajasthan, significant action has been taken in recent years against child labour, bonded labour, and human trafficking. Bonded labour release certificates have been issued in several cases, and rehabilitation measures have also been implemented. However, to completely eliminate this social stigma, sustained and collective efforts are still required.

These views were expressed by Additional District Judge (ADJ) Kuldeep Sharma while addressing a one-day sensitization training program organized at the Police Lines auditorium. The program was conducted jointly by the District Legal Services Authority Udaipur, the Police Department, and Gayatri Seva Sansthan for police personnel and officials from various departments. He emphasized that coordinated and positive participation by different stakeholders can significantly aid in victim rescue, rehabilitation, and identification of offenders. He added that such initiatives would prove effective in combating these issues.

As the keynote speaker, child rights expert Dr. Shailendra Pandya presented data from the National Crime Records Bureau in the context of Rajasthan. He discussed prevailing challenges, government initiatives, and the role of various departments. Dr. Pandya also provided detailed information about the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, legal provisions related to human trafficking, and various welfare schemes. He highlighted that, compared to other laws, the Bonded Labour Act includes special provisions for substantial financial assistance for the rehabilitation of victims.

The session was chaired by Additional Superintendent of Police Madhuri Verma, who shared information about campaigns run by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights and elaborated on the role of Child Welfare Police Officers.

As a special guest, Dhruv Kumar Kaviya, Member of the Rajasthan State Child Commission, Government of Rajasthan, stated that public awareness on social issues is crucial to eliminate this stigma. He affirmed that the police would take strict action upon receiving any information related to human trafficking or bonded labour.

Other speakers included Yashoda Pania, Acting Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee, Udaipur; K.K. Chandravanshi, Assistant Director, Department of Child Rights; and Indrajeet Makwana from the Labour Department.

During the workshop, a short film titled “Rice Factory” based on bonded labour was screened, highlighting key indicators for identifying bonded labour cases and emphasizing the importance of confidentiality in reporting. The workshop also featured case studies, interactive sessions, and open discussions on legal procedures. Participants were guided on how to spread awareness about these issues within society.

Representatives from various district departments, the police department, Childline, and Gayatri Seva Sansthan attended the workshop. The session was conducted by Nitin Paliwal, District Coordinator of Gayatri Seva Sansthan, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Payal Kaneria.