– Administrative machinery springs into action following orders from the State Legal Services Authority
– District Judge moved to tears upon witnessing the plight of the workers
Armoor, May 19 (Gatla News): Acting on directives from the Legal Services Authority—and following complaints alleging that workers at brick kilns in Degam and Maggidi villages (within the Armoor and Alur mandals) were being confined and subjected to forced labor—District Principal Judge Bharatha Lakshmi, Armoor Senior Judge P. Sridevi, and officials from the Labor, Revenue, and Police departments conducted surprise inspections and secured the liberation of the brick kiln workers. Upon witnessing the deplorable conditions of the workers toiling in these villages, the District Judge was deeply moved and shed tears. She summoned the workers individually to inquire about their grievances and hardships. The workers brought to the Judge’s attention that those who failed to meet their daily work quotas were confined in rooms, and that the women among them were subjected to severe physical beatings. Speaking on the occasion, District Principal Judge Bharatha Lakshmi noted that the complaints indicated the workers were being subjected to severe distress, being forced to work for grueling hours—from 3:00 AM until 11:00 PM. She further stated that the workers were suffering due to a lack of basic amenities, the non-payment of minimum wages, physical abuse, and a complete disregard for labor laws. It was reported that an individual who escaped from a brick kiln camp approached the Hyderabad Legal Services Authority. It was noted that there was clear evidence of a failure to maintain labor records, a lack of provision for basic amenities, and the practice of forced labor. An assurance was given that over 1,000 brick kiln workers would be rescued, provided with shelter, and—following consultations with the Revenue Department—would receive necessary facilities as well as the compensation due to them. It was further stated that arrangements are being made to transport the brick kiln workers back to their native villages. The MRO and concerned officials were directed to initiate legal action against brick kiln owners operating in violation of labor laws and to seize their establishments.
