Odisha to Eradicate Bonded Labour in Nuapada with Model Village Plan

Bhubaneswar, August 22(OT Webdesk) — In a landmark move to combat human trafficking and labour exploitation, Odisha’s Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik has announced the creation of a model village in Nuapada district, designed to be free from bonded labour and unsafe migration.

Speaking at the State Consultation on Human Trafficking and Bonded Labour, organised by Suraksha—a coalition of over 30 NGOs—Naik emphasised the government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable workers. Labour cards will be issued to at-risk individuals as a safeguard against exploitation.

The minister also accepted a memorandum proposing the formal recognition of February 9 as Bonded Labour Abolition Day, aligning Odisha with states like Tamil Nadu and Telangana.

Suraksha urged the government to formulate a comprehensive State Action Plan (SAP) with clear timelines and budget allocations to address prevention, rescue, rehabilitation, reintegration, and prosecution.

Additionally, the coalition called for an Odisha-specific Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to streamline coordination among departments such as police, labour, revenue, and women & child development.

“An SAP provides a long-term framework, while an SOP ensures timely, coordinated action,” said Amiya Das, a Suraksha member, citing successful models from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

The proposed observance of February 9 would include awareness campaigns, cultural programs, educational outreach, and surprise inspections—measures aimed at keeping the issue of bonded labour in public focus and strengthening enforcement of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act of 1976.

With Nuapada poised to become a blueprint for change, Odisha signals a renewed commitment to ending exploitation and empowering its most vulnerable communities.