**Executive Summary**
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) will hold a virtual hearing on April 16, 2026, to address 216 cases of alleged bonded labour in brick kilns across Uttar Pradesh. Presided over by Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian, the hearing requires the attendance of top state officials and District Magistrates to ensure compliance with the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976. Authorities are mandated to present detailed reports on the identification, rehabilitation, and social security registration of affected labourers.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Hearing Logistics and Oversight**
* **Date and Format:** The online hearing is scheduled for April 16, 2026, starting at 11:30 am.
* **Presiding Authority:** NHRC Chairperson, Justice V. Ramasubramanian, will lead the proceedings.
* **Scope:** The session covers 216 specific cases of alleged bonded labour identified through *suo motu* interventions and formal complaints.
**Regulatory and Legal Compliance**
* **Legal Framework:** The proceedings focus on strict adherence to the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976.
* **Judicial Mandates:** Authorities must demonstrate compliance with Supreme Court orders from the *Bandhua Mukti Morcha* and *Asiad Workers’* cases.
**Administrative Requirements**
* **Mandatory Attendance:** The Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh (or a nominee), the Labour Commissioner, and concerned District Magistrates must be present.
* **Reporting Standards:** Authorities must submit detailed reports on the identification, release, and skilling of bonded labourers.
**Rehabilitation and Social Security**
* **Rehabilitation Packages:** Reports must detail the status of financial aid, skill training, and the provision of alternate livelihoods for rescued individuals.
* **Digital Integration:** A key focus is the progress of registering rescued labourers on the e-Shram portal to secure social security benefits.
* **Prevention:** Districts are required to outline measures taken to prevent the recurrence of bonded labour in identified areas.
**Impact Analysis**
**Chief Secretary and Labour Commissioner, Uttar Pradesh**
**Impact**
These officials are held directly accountable for the state's overall progress in eradicating bonded labour and ensuring departmental coordination.
**Action Required**
They must attend the hearing and provide a comprehensive state-level overview of enforcement and rehabilitation efforts.
**District Magistrates (DMs)**
**Impact**
DMs are responsible for the ground-level execution of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act and the direct handling of NHRC complaints.
**Action Required**
They must present specific assessments of actions taken on complaints, update the status of rehabilitation packages, and report on local e-Shram portal registration progress.
**Bonded Labourers**
**Impact**
The hearing aims to facilitate their legal release, provide financial and vocational support, and secure their long-term social security.
**Action Required**
Affected individuals are to be identified, released, and registered on the e-Shram portal by relevant authorities to receive benefits.
**National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)**
**Impact**
The Commission reinforces its role as a monitoring body assigned by the Supreme Court to eradicate bonded labour.
**Action Required**
The Commission will assess the adequacy of the reports provided by state authorities and monitor the implementation of preventive measures.
Key Entities Referenced
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC): The statutory body conducting the hearing to investigate alleged bonded labour violations and ensure enforcement of human rights laws.
Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976: The primary legislation that mandates the identification, release, and rehabilitation of bonded labourers, which the NHRC is monitoring for compliance.
Uttar Pradesh: The central location of the 216 cases of alleged bonded labour in brick kilns being reviewed during the hearing.
e-Shram portal: A national registration initiative used to secure social security benefits and track the rehabilitation of rescued bonded labourers.
Justice V. Ramasubramanian: The Chairperson of the NHRC who is presiding over the virtual hearing regarding the labour violations in Uttar Pradesh.
National Human Rights Commission
NHRC, India to hear online 216 cases of alleged
bonded labour in the brick kilns across various
districts of Uttar Pradesh on 16th April 2026
Chairperson, Justice V. Ramasubramanian to preside over the
virtual hearing
The Chief Secretary of the state or his nominee, Labour
Commissioner and all District Magistrates concerned asked
to be present during the hearing
Authorities expected to present detailed reports on actions
taken for identification, release, skilling and rehabilitation of
bonded labourers as well as their registration on the e-Shram
portal
Posted On: 13 APR 2026 5:10PM by PIB Delhi
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India will hold an online hearing of 216 cases of
alleged bonded labour in the brick kilns across various districts of Uttar Pradesh at its premises in New
Delhi on 16th April 2026 from 11.30 am. NHRC, India Chairperson, Justice V. Ramasubramanian will
preside over the virtual hearing. This underscores the Commission's commitment to eradicating bonded
labour and ensuring strict compliance with the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976 and the
monitoring assigned by the Supreme Court of India.
The Commission has directed the presence of the Chief Secretary, Uttar Pradesh or his nominee, Labour
Commissioner, Uttar Pradesh and all District Magistrates (DMs) concerned during the online hearing.
They are expected to present detailed reports on actions taken for identification, release, skilling and
rehabilitation of bonded labourers as well as their registration on the e-Shram portal.
Key focus areas:
• Assessment of action taken by the District Magistrates on the complaints sent to them by the
NHRC with status of compliance to the provisions of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act,
1976, orders of the Apex Court in Bandhua Mukti Morcha and Asiad Workers’ case;
• Status of rehabilitation packages, including financial aid, skill training and alternate livelihoods;
• Progress on e-Shram portal registrations to secure social security benefits for rescued labourers;
and
• Preventive measures against recurrence in identified districts.The hearing is part of NHRC's ongoing suo motu interventions and complaints received on bonded labour.
***
NSK
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