Kerala still haunted by bonded labour

KOZHIKODE: Bonded labour still exists in the hundred percent literate state of Kerala. This has been  revealed in a recent study conducted by the  Foundation for Sustainable Development (FSD), a Chennai-based NGO,  in Kannur and  Wayanad districts.  Eight cases against bonded labour of various forms were registered in the past one-and-half-years  in the  Panamaram, Vellamunda, Alakode and Chokli police stations.   In one  case, a minor victim was provided  compensation by the accused through the intervention of the authorities. 

Many  accused of bonded labour were either arrested or have secured anticipatory bail. “Bonded labour is not about slaves being sold in the market.  In Kannur and Wayanad districts, many labourers, especially from the tribal belt, are being exploited in plantations,” said FSD state coordinator C.K. Dineshan. In the Alakode case, a 15-year old Odisha  boy was employed in the house and plantation of an advocate for 2.5 years and he was given only Rs 15,000. “He  escaped from the house after a coconut tree climber took his photo and we came to know about it.  Through  the intervention of Sub-Divisional Majistrate and others, the advocate was made to pay Rs 2.10 lakh to the boy,” FSD Kannur district coordinator K.K Ajayan said. 

Many bonded labour cases are mixed up with child labour cases. Kannur district labour officer A.N. Baby Castro said that the Alakode case was the rarest of the rare. “The cases are mostly  about  wages. They were settled through talks called by the labour office with the employer and the employee,” he said. The FSD had recently conducted a training for  all station house officers of Kannur police regarding the bonded labour system (Abolition) Act, 1976.