The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought an action-taken report (ATR) from the Health and Family Welfare Secretary over the issue of ANM health workers being forced to work as bonded labourers in Bhadrak district. The commission passed the order acting on a petition filed by rights activist Radhakanta Tripathy.
The petitioner alleged that Dharitri Sethy, Sabita Malik and 38 other ANM health workers have been forced to work as bonded labourers in Bhadrak district.
“They have been denied their legitimate dues for a long time. The victims who are largely women and belong to poor and scheduled caste families have been suffering from harassment and unbearable pain till date. The failure of Health and Family Welfare department in ensuring legitimate dues to these victims amount to serious human rights violation,” the petitioner alleged.
Tripathy requested the NHRC to direct the State to ensure payment to all these victims, rehabilitate them with full dignity and ensure their basic human rights.