18 Bonded Labourers Rehabilitated; More Than 6,600 Workers and Small Traders Enrolled in Pension Schemes
Hamirpur: The Uttar Pradesh Labour Department has taken a series of measures over the past nine years to protect workers’ rights, eliminate child and bonded labour, improve working conditions and extend social security to economically vulnerable sections in Hamirpur district.
According to the department, 499 intensive inspections were conducted by joint teams comprising officials from the Labour Department, police, Childline and the Education Department. During raids at roadside eateries, hotels, factories, brick kilns and shops, 535 child labourers were rescued from employment and steps were taken to facilitate their rehabilitation.
The rescued children were enrolled in schools under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, while their families were linked with government welfare schemes to reduce the risk of children returning to labour.
The department also facilitated the release and rehabilitation of 18 declared bonded labourers who had come from other districts and were allegedly trapped in exploitative working conditions due to debt. They were provided release certificates and assistance under central and state rehabilitation schemes, including financial support, housing facilities and livelihood opportunities.
Inspections to Enforce Labour Laws
The department conducted inspections under several labour laws to safeguard workers’ entitlements. These included 11 inspections under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 11 under the Payment of Wages Act, five under the Equal Remuneration Act, two under the Maternity Benefit Act, two under the Contract Labour Act and one under the Payment of Bonus Act.
The inspections were aimed at ensuring timely payment of wages, statutory benefits and compliance with workers’ rights. Checks under the Maternity Benefit Act also focused on protecting the entitlements of women employees during pregnancy and ensuring access to legally mandated benefits and leave.
Pension Coverage for Workers and Small Traders
Expanding social security coverage has been another key component of the department’s initiatives. Under the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana, 6,415 unorganised-sector workers aged between 18 and 40 were enrolled during the period. Eligible subscribers are entitled to a monthly pension of Rs 3,000 after attaining the age of 60, subject to the scheme’s conditions.
In addition, 190 small traders were enrolled under the Pradhan Mantri Laghu Vyapari Maandhan Yojana to extend pension-based social security to small business owners and traders.
The department’s initiatives reflect a combination of enforcement and welfare measures aimed at improving the lives of workers and their families. The rescue of 535 children, rehabilitation of 18 bonded labourers and enrolment of more than 6,600 workers and traders in pension schemes highlight the scale of efforts undertaken in Hamirpur over the past nine years under the state’s welfare-oriented approach led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
The department’s stated focus remains on preventing labour exploitation, promoting children’s education, enforcing labour laws and helping vulnerable workers secure a more stable future.
