Rescue Mission: 24 Bonded Labourers from Madhya Pradesh Freed in Tamil Nadu
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Betul, March 11 (NationPress) The government of Madhya Pradesh announced on Wednesday the successful rescue of 24 labourers from Betul and four from Harda districts, who had been trapped as bonded labourers in the Erode district of Tamil Nadu. This remarkable achievement was made possible through the swift and coordinated actions of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, the local district administration, and the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram.
All rescued individuals returned to their homes on Wednesday via train, where they were welcomed at the Betul railway station by Collector Narendra Kumar Suryavanshi and Superintendent of Police Virendra Jain.
Collector Suryavanshi assured the workers that the administration had arranged everything necessary for their safe return. He noted that the Revenue, Police, and Labour departments would maintain ongoing communication with them to prevent any future issues.
He also instructed the labour officer to stay in touch with the workers and to gather the required documents for the approval of financial assistance.
Buses were organized to transport all workers back to their villages, and meals were provided during their journey.
The labourers expressed their heartfelt thanks to the state government and district administration for ensuring their safe return.
The government’s statement revealed that the workers had initially traveled to Erode district for employment but were forced to work as bonded labourers without any leave granted for the Holi festival.
Upon receiving a tip-off from Prakash Uike, a member of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, the Betul district administration acted swiftly. Through collaborative efforts with police and revenue departments, they secured the release of the trapped individuals.
The government also announced that each rescued worker would receive financial support of Rs 30,000 to assist in rebuilding their lives. The district administration has pledged to provide necessary rehabilitation and support.
Among the 24 workers rescued, four hail from Harda district, while the remaining 20 are from Betul district. The Betul workers are residents of the villages Kabra, Borkund, Birpura, and Basinda in the Bhimpur block.