NHRC acts on two labour-rights complaints: bonded family in Telangana, unprotected chemical workers in Haryana

The National Human Rights Commission took suo motu cognizance of two separate incidents of labour-rights violations reported in the past week. In the first, a 12-member family from Uttar Pradesh was allegedly held as bonded labourers for nearly a year at a construction site in Medchal-Malkajgiri district, Telangana, forced to work seven days a week for meagre wages amid physical abuse and unsanitary conditions. The Commission issued notices to Telangana's Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, the District Magistrate and the Cyberabad Commissioner of Police, directing them to confirm the rescued victims' status, issue Bonded Labour Release Certificates, disburse rehabilitation assistance of up to Rs 30,000 per victim under the Central Sector Scheme for the Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourers, 2021, and prepare a long-term rehabilitation plan within four weeks.

In the second, the Commission noted reports that workers in unlicensed bleaching units in Panipat district, Haryana, were handling hydrochloric acid and sodium hypochlorite without gloves, boots or any protective gear, suffering chemical burns and skin damage, with 10-12 workers reportedly visiting the civil hospital daily; it directed Panipat's District Magistrate to submit a detailed report within two weeks. Both actions invoke the Commission's powers under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.