Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi lauds govt for strong policy on bonded labour

NEW DELHI: Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi today lauded the government for "stronger" policy framework on bonded labour while pointing to the need of speedy completion of judicial process and payments for rescued children.

"We heartily welcome the new rules for revamped scheme by the government of India for rehabilitation of bonded labourers which has raised the rehabilitation assistance from Rs 20,000 to Rs 3 lakh," Satyarthi said.

But there is need of further changes in the old rules and speed up summary trial in such cases of children freed from bonded labour and trafficking and payment of assistance within 30 days, he said.

The new anti-trafficking law that government is readying must also include the provisions for the earliest possible completion of summary trial and payment of compensation to the victims, Satyarthi said at a national consultation on eradication of bonded labour organised by NGO Bachpan Bachao Andolan.

Senior officials from different enforcement and monitoring agencies as well as NGOs participated in the consultation.