Bhawanipatana( KCN):On the occasion of International Human Rights Day (10 December 2025), Shrama Vahini (Released Bonded Labour Association, Odisha) organized a program in Bhawanipatna, Kalahandi. The event was led by the President, Jhasketan Bag, the Vice President, Upendra Bagarti, along with district chapter leaders of Kalahandi Punyabati Ketki, Dhananjaya Rana, Dialu Nial and other members of the association.
The observance featured a peaceful march from Jail Square, Bhawanipatna, to the District Collectorate, with the participation of 50 released bonded labour survivors. During the rally, participants distributed leaflets and pamphlets carrying awareness messages on bonded labour and raised slogans condemning the crime of bonded labour to sensitize the public. The rally is estimated to have reached and engaged approximately 300 individuals in the town.
Upon reaching the Collectorate, the association submitted a memorandum along with a list of beneficiary details to the District Collector. The memorandum highlighted the following demands:
• Release of pending rehabilitation funds under the Central Sector Scheme.
• Provision of housing benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
• Effective functioning of the Bonded Labour Vigilance Committee in the district.
The District Collector accepted the memorandum and assured that all benefits would be proactively extended to the released bonded labour survivors of the district.
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