In a major policy shift, the Government of India has decided to deal with the rehabilitation of bonded labourers through NClP directly and not though the State Panchyati Raj Department from July this year.
Meanwhile, a letter of the PR Department, No 13252, dated 30-07-2016, has asked the district level officials to submit the rehabilitation proposals directly to the Centre and not through the DRDA.
As per the earlier provisions, a bonded labourer released with certificate was given Rs 1,000 on the spot and Rs 19,000 was given after submission of the livelihood plan proposals by his/her respective block to the Panchyati Raj Department through the DRDA.
However, the proposal to release the rehabilitation assistance used to gather dust for years and the beneficiaries had to wait for years to get their assistance. While some re-migrated, some died due to acute poverty and lack of assistance.
The Pioneer consistently highlighted the issue of bonded labour rehabilitation and the apathy of the Government to release their rehabilitation assistance in a series of stories and finally the efforts bore fruits.