60 migrant workers rescued from brick kilns in Tirupati dist

Tirupati: The district administration has rescued 60 labourers from bondage across multiple locations in Tirupati over the last few days. In spite of allegations of assault and coercive methods adopted by brick kiln owners who employed them, the coordinated operation involving officials from multiple departments helped secure the workers toiling in rural Tirupati.The migrant families from Odisha were working at a brick kiln in Pudipatla village in Tirupati rural for nearly five months. Each of the families was paid an advance of Rs 45,000 and Rs 1,000 per week, while restrictions were slapped on their movement and employment, which are indicative of bonded labour. Acting on a referral, the district administration initiated a rescue operation through the revenue department, with additional support drawn from the police and labour departments.Sensing trouble, the kiln owners reportedly attempted to move the workers away from the site, but officials countered the move and managed to rescue the labourers. Tirupati collector S Venkateshwar monitored the operation, and ensured they were provided food, shelter, and assurance of safety. While initiating a formal probe under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, the collector issued release certificates to the rescued workers, formally recognising them as bonded labourers, an act that will get them access to rehabilitation measures. An FIR also was registered against the brick kiln owners and their associates.