BALRAM Vs. STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) On 13-7-1989 this Court directed :

(2.) Pursuant to the aforesaid order Shri Rajagopal has submitted his report which shows that he had visited three blocks, namely, Pithora, Basna and Saraipalli within the district of Raipur. The local Revenue Officers extended assistance to him. According to the Scheme, a released bonded labourer is entitled to assistance of Rs. 6,250/ - out of which Rs. 3,000/- is the contribution of the Central Government and the balance is to be met by the State Government. In Pithora Block 621 persons have been released from bond while in Basna that number is 1;333. The report indicates that only 14 persons have been paid the sum of Rs. 6,250/- in Pithora Block while 11 persons have been paid that amount in Basna Block. The Central Government's share of Rs. 3,000/- has been paid to 122 persons in Pithora Block and 41 persons in Basna Block. Out of the total number from the two blocks, 25 people have thus been paid the full amount of Rs. 6,250/-; while 163 persons have been paid Rs. 3,000/- which is the Central contribution. In Saraipalli Block the total number of such released persons is 739; 434 persons have been paid a sum of Rs. 3,000/- three persons have been paid Rs. 4,250/ - and six persons have been paid up to Rs. 1,660/-; 12 persons up to Rs. 1,000/- and 6 persons up to Rs. 2,000/ -. The figures of Kasdol Block are yet to be received.

(3.) The report clearly indicates that proper attention has not been bestowed on rehabilitation of the bonded labourers who have been released through Court. The rehabilitation scheme contemplates provision of Rs. 6,250/- for each of the adult freed bonded labourer. Though under orders of the Court the persons have been freed for more than 2 years, in the absence of appropriate rehabilitation, they. have found it difficult to sustain themselves and if this position continues longer they would be obliged to return to bondage again.