12 TN boys rescued from bonded labour in Orissa

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, JUNE 23. As many as 12 boys from Tamil Nadu, working as bonded labour, have been rescued from Ganjam and Rayagada districts of Orissa, thanks to the efforts of the State Adi- Dravidar Welfare Department and a Madurai-based Non-Governmental organisation, the `SOCO Trust'.

The boys in the age group of 7-18 years hailing from Madurai and Theni districts, had been ``taken away by some agents after paying money to their parents'' and had been packed off to work in some ``Murukku'' (savouries) factories and shops in Orissa under very difficult circumstances.

With the `SOCO Trust' approaching the Tamil Nadu Special Officer, Bonded Labour Abolition, on this issue, a team including two lawyers from SOCO was sent to Orissa to rescue the boys, according to an official release here today.

The boys arrived here this morning after which they met the State Minister for Adi Dravidar welfare, Mr. V. Subramanian at the Secretariat. The Secretary of the department, Mrs. P. Sivakami and Mr. P.W.C. Davidar, Special Officer, Bonded Labour Abolition, were among those present on the occasion.

These boys, who were then taken to Madurai, will be immediately given Rs. 1,000 each by the District Collector and then Rs. 19,000 for complete rehabilitation. Those among them in the schooling age will be sent to schools and others will be encouraged to look for self-employment avenues.

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Section  : Southern States
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