The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India led by Chairperson, Justice V. Ramasubramanian today concluded its two-day Gujarat Open Hearing and Camp sitting in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The Chairperson and Members, Justice (Dr.) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi and Smt. Vijaya Bharathi Sayani heard 129 alleged cases of human rights violations, including bonded labour, in the State. The complainants, victims and concerned officers of the State government were present.

On the first day, the Commission, after hearing the concerned parties in 45 cases, closed 27 cases. Proof of payment of compensation was submitted in many cases, amounting to Rs. 3.5 crore.

Various cases of serious human rights violations were taken up. In one case where a woman was allegedly arrested without proper notice, compensation of Rs.7.5 lakh has been recommended. Apart from matters of custodial deaths, civic negligence leading to fatalities and police excesses, tragic cases involving children were also heard. In one case, where a child was taken away by a dog but never recovered, compensation has been recommended for the family.

Cases involving the deaths of workers in factories across Gujarat were also heard. The families of five workers who lost their lives following a major fire and explosion at a chemical factory in Bharuch received compensation. The families of four workers who died after inhaling toxic gases in another tragic incident at a chemical plant in Dahej were compensated with amounts totalling over Rs. 2 crore. Similarly, criminal proceedings have been initiated against those responsible for the death of three workers who died when a large advertising hoarding collapsed in Ahmedabad, though compensation details remain pending. These cases reflect the Commission’s firm stance that industrial negligence leading to loss of life must be met with both accountability and meaningful redress for victims’ families. The Commission also took up issues of school infrastructure failures and the lack of cremation grounds for Scheduled Caste communities, directing remedial action.

Today, on the second day of the hearing, the Chairperson, NHRC heard 27 cases of alleged bonded labour in the State. The Labour Secretary, Gujarat and the District Magistrates of the concerned districts were also present. The Commission heard the submissions of the District Magistrates and the reports received in the cases were considered. He sensitised the authorities to be compassionate while dealing with women and children and to ensure that indicators of bondage are considered while dealing with such complaints.

The Division Bench comprising Members, Justice (Dr.) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi and Smt. Vijaya Bharathi Sayani heard 57 cases, which included compliance matters and other complaints of alleged violation of human rights and closed 46 cases after hearing the parties and reviewing compliance reports along with proof of payment of compensation of Rs. 27 lakh to the NoK of the deceased. Further reports have been sought from the authorities in the remaining cases.

The Commission interacted with representatives of NGOs, civil society organisations and human rights defenders. Important issues such as better implementation of the National Food Security Act, 2013; justice to POCSO survivors; institutional care for younger girls; single-window clearance system and issues regarding the implementation of the POSH Act, 2013 in the unorganised sector were discussed. The Chairperson, NHRC acknowledged the need for better coordination between stakeholders and the NHRC.

Thereafter, a meeting with senior officers of the State government was held where important issues such as non-submission of reports, the need to sensitise concerned authorities on bonded labour issues, violations of human rights by the police, the need for proper implementation of prohibition laws, among others, were discussed. The Chairperson appreciated the authorities’ cooperation in providing relief to the victims of human rights violations. The Open Hearing and Camp sitting concluded with a media briefing.

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NSK

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