📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Home Affairs
Crime
NHRC Scrutinises 86 Bonded Labour Cases in Haryana Brick Kilns, Calls for Stronger Action
✍️ INDToday
🗓 10 Jul 2026, 07:32 PM
👁 1
The National Human Rights Commission has examined 86 alleged bonded labour cases in Haryana brick kilns and urged authorities to take tougher measures.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has completed a review of 86 alleged bonded labour cases linked to brick kilns in Haryana. The report, released on Tuesday, highlights that workers were reportedly subjected to exploitative conditions, including long working hours and restricted freedom of movement.
According to the NHRC findings, the majority of the cases involve workers who were recruited through debt bondage, with wages withheld and families coerced into continued employment. The commission noted that several workers were also denied basic rights such as access to education and healthcare.
In its recommendation, the NHRC called on state and central authorities to enforce stricter labour laws and to conduct regular inspections of brick kiln operations. It urged the government to establish a monitoring mechanism to ensure that bonded labour is eradicated and that victims receive adequate compensation.
The review comes amid growing scrutiny of the brick kiln industry, which has faced criticism for its environmental impact and labour practices. The NHRC’s call for stronger action aims to protect vulnerable workers and bring the industry into compliance with national labour standards.
According to the NHRC findings, the majority of the cases involve workers who were recruited through debt bondage, with wages withheld and families coerced into continued employment. The commission noted that several workers were also denied basic rights such as access to education and healthcare.
In its recommendation, the NHRC called on state and central authorities to enforce stricter labour laws and to conduct regular inspections of brick kiln operations. It urged the government to establish a monitoring mechanism to ensure that bonded labour is eradicated and that victims receive adequate compensation.
The review comes amid growing scrutiny of the brick kiln industry, which has faced criticism for its environmental impact and labour practices. The NHRC’s call for stronger action aims to protect vulnerable workers and bring the industry into compliance with national labour standards.