Bhubaneswar: In a coordinated operation, the Ganjam District Administration successfully rescued two child bonded labourers, aged 13 and 14, from exploitative working conditions in Hinjilikatu. The children, both hailing from Bihar, were allegedly trafficked and exploited for months at local eateries.
Reportedly, the operation was initiated following a tip-off to the District Collector, Ganjam, by a civil society organisation. Acting promptly, the Collector directed the Sub-Divisional Collector to launch an immediate inquiry and action.
The rescue was executed by a multi-departmental team led by the Tahasildar, Hinjilikatu, with active participation from the Police, Labour Department, Childline, and the Block Development Officer (BDO).
Investigation revealed a distressing pattern of exploitation. The children were trafficked from Bihar after their parents were lured with false promises of an advance payment ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 per month.
Instead of fair employment, the children were forced to work for nearly 14 hours a day at two Panipuri units owned by one Amar Nath Chaudhury. They were subjected to physical abuse for failing to meet daily sales targets, had been denied wages for the past seven months, and were completely deprived of freedom of movement.
Following their rescue, a bonded labour enquiry was conducted in the presence of all concerned officials at the office of the Tahasildar. The children subsequently underwent a medical examination and were produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), which has ensured their safe placement in a shelter home for care and rehabilitation.
The District Administration has strongly reaffirmed its dedication to protecting children’s rights and eliminating all forms of child and bonded labour. Strict legal action is being initiated against the accused employer, Amar Nath Chaudhury, under relevant provisions of the law.
