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Bonded labour still exists in some States: Minister

Staff Reporter

Do not fall prey to moneylenders, says P. Chidambaram

ENRICHING LIVES: Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram distributing assistance to a member of weavers' cooperative society in Karaikudi on Sunday. — PHOTO: S. JAMES

KARAIKUDI: Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram on Sunday said that the practice of bonded labour still exist in some States including Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

Speaking at a function organised by the Handlooms Department of the State Government to inaugurate the Handloom Weavers' Cooperative Societies, he said several people were working under the bonded labour system in beedi rolling and stone quarrying in those States. They could not come out from the clutches of those who control them.

Mr. Chidambaram said, though the country was liberated about 60 years ago, several people had not yet been rendered free, thanks to the bonded labour system.

In the handloom industry, several workers were still under the control of master weavers who pay a meagre amount as coolie. Hence, all those weavers should come out of the system to join organised societies or install their own looms. The officials should take steps to unshackle those in Karaikudi and nearby areas and provide all benefits of insurance and welfare schemes. All the weavers should be given identity cards and brought under the health schemes.

He added that he would seriously take efforts to liberate the weavers from master weavers by arranging loan through nationalalised banks in Karaikudi area. And he insisted that they should not fall prey to moneylenders.

K.R. Periakaruppan, Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, said textile industry was next to agriculture in providing livelihood for the people. The State Government had taken several steps to motivate the weavers and create conducive environment for their growth. It had planned to establish public service centers at Emaneswaram, Aruppukkottai, Chinnalapatti and Erode, where weaving was one of the main activities.

M.R. Mohan, Commissioner, Handlooms, said the Government had given Rs. 208 crore as rebate for handlooms during 2004-05, 2005-06. The Government would continue to give training to the weavers to enhance their talent. M.A. Siddique, Collector, and N. Sundaram, MLA participated.

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