**Executive Summary**
On July 10, 2026, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), chaired by Justice V. Ramasubramanian, conducted an online hearing regarding 86 cases of alleged bonded labour in Haryana brick kilns. The Commission observed a lack of proper record examination and credible evidence, directing state authorities to launch a laborer helpline and ensure employment tracking. Haryana state officials have assured the submission of updated reports for all cases and full compliance with Supreme Court directives and the Ministry of Labour’s Standard Operating Procedures.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **NHRC Observations and Directives**
* The Chairperson noted that government functionaries had not properly examined records, resulting in a lack of credible evidence to declare bonded labour.
* There is an urgent need to launch a dedicated helpline for labourers to seek help and track incidents of bonded labour.
* Proper records of employment must be maintained to facilitate the tracking and identification of bonded labour cases.
* The NHRC emphasized the need for officials to remain vigilant and strictly follow "Advisory 2.0 to Identify, Release and Rehabilitate Bonded Labourers."
* **Regulatory Compliance Requirements**
* Authorities must follow the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Identification and Rescue of Bonded Labourers and Prosecution of Offenders issued by the Ministry of Labour and Employment (dated May 14, 2026).
* The Commission reviewed Action Taken Reports (ATRs) submitted by District Magistrates (DMs) and insisted on full compliance with Supreme Court directives.
* **State Government Commitments**
* The Haryana Chief Secretary and Labour Commissioner assured the NHRC that all 86 cases will be reviewed.
* The state committed to submitting requisite information and updated reports for all cases under consideration.
* Authorities pledged to ensure immediate remedial action through strict adherence to applicable laws and judicial directions.
**Impact Analysis**
**State Government of Haryana (Chief Secretary, Labour Commissioner, and District Magistrates)**
**Impact**
The administration is responsible for the identified failures in record examination and must now undergo a comprehensive review of 86 pending cases under NHRC oversight.
**Action Required**
Review all 86 cases, submit detailed reports and Action Taken Reports (ATRs) to the NHRC, and implement the Ministry of Labour’s SOPs and NHRC Advisory 2.0.
**Labourers in Haryana Brick Kilns**
**Impact**
Affected individuals may receive immediate remedial action, rescue, and rehabilitation through the reviewed cases and future tracking mechanisms.
**Action Required**
Utilize the proposed helpline once launched to report grievances and seek assistance.
**National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)**
**Impact**
The Commission acts as the primary oversight body, guiding state-level identification and rescue operations to ensure human rights compliance.
**Action Required**
Monitor the submission of reports from the Haryana government and ensure the state follows through on the establishment of a helpline and employment record-keeping.
Key Entities Referenced
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC): The primary human rights body in India that conducted the hearing into 86 cases of alleged bonded labour in brick kilns.
Standard Operating Procedure for Identification and Rescue of Bonded Labourers and Prosecution of Offenders: A set of guidelines issued by the Ministry of Labour and Employment for the systematic handling of bonded labour cases.
Advisory 2.0 to Identify, Release and Rehabilitate Bonded Labourers: A specific policy directive issued by the NHRC to guide state authorities on managing and remediating bonded labour incidents.
Haryana: The Indian state where the 86 cases of alleged bonded labour were reported and whose officials are directed to ensure legal compliance.
Justice V. Ramasubramanian: The Chairperson of the NHRC who presided over the hearing and highlighted the need for worker helplines and improved employment records.
National Human Rights Commission
NHRC, India hears online 86 cases of alleged
bonded labour in Haryana brick kilns
Chairperson, Justice V. Ramasubramanian highlights the
need for a helpline for labourers with a proper record of their
employment to help track incidents of bonded labour
Submission of reports in all the cases as per the directions of
the NHRC assured by the state
Authorities assure compliance with Supreme Court directives
and laws to address cases of bonded labour
प्रव तथ: 10 JUL 2026 12:53PM by PIB Delhi
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India heard 86 cases online of alleged bonded labour
in brick kilns across various districts of Haryana. Chairperson, Justice V. Ramasubramanian presided over
the hearing in the presence of Joint Secretary, Shri Samir Kumar, Joint Registrar (Law), Shri Indrajeet
Kumar and other senior officers. The hearing was attended by senior functionaries of the state
government, including the Chief Secretary, Shri Anurag Rastogi, Labour Commissioner, Shri Vijaykumar
Bhavikatti and the District Magistrates (DMs) of all the districts.
Justice Ramasubramanian said that in most of the cases, the records had not been properly examined by
the concerned government functionaries. Therefore, they did not have credible evidence to declare the
labourers as bonded labourers. He urged the officers to remain vigilant while dealing with cases of bonded
labour. He further asked them to follow the requirements laid down in the Standard Operating Procedure
for Identification and Rescue of Bonded Labourers and Prosecution of Offenders, issued by the Ministryof Labour and Employment vide letter dated 14th May 2026, while constituting the team for the enquiry
into the complaint. He also emphasised the need to launch a helpline so that labourers can seek help when
needed to help track the incidents of bonded labour.
Shri Samir Kumar, Joint Secretary, NHRC highlighted the need to comply with the NHRC directions and
take action as per its 'Advisory 2.0 to Identify, Release and Rehabilitate Bonded Labourers.' The Haryana
Chief Secretary, the Labour Commissioner and the DMs presented the bonded labour cases during the
hearing. The Commission reviewed the Action Taken Reports (ATRs) submitted by the DMs on the
complaints under its consideration.
The Chief Secretary and the Labour Commissioner assured the Commission that all the 86 cases would be
reviewed and the requisite information and reports would be submitted thereafter. They also assured the
Commission that full compliance with the directions of the Supreme Court and the applicable laws would
be ensured to facilitate immediate remedial action in cases relating to bonded labour.
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NSK
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