February 09, 2026 Times of Dakshin Dinajpur
Know Your Rights
Kamal Kumar Biswas.TODBalurghat
Observing the 50th Bonded Labour System Abolition Day, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) of South Dinajpur on Monday organized a special legal awareness camp in Balurghat, amid growing concern over the vulnerability of migrant workers and instances of bonded labor in the district.
The program, held at the Baluchhaya Auditorium, was conducted in collaboration with the district administration, Ujjiban Society and the International Justice Mission (IJM). Officials said the initiative sought to inform laborers and members of the public about legal protections, remedies and mechanisms available to prevent exploitation.
Manas Basu, the district judge, attended as the chief guest. Other dignitaries included the district magistrate, T. Balasubramanian(IAS); Swarnanya Sen Prasad, additional district and sessions judge (2nd Court); Sanghamitra Poddar of the Special Court in Balurghat; Kartik Chandra Barui, deputy labor commissioner; Keya Bala, secretary of the DLSA; and Niladri Majumdar, the district social welfare officer, among others.
Guests were welcomed with ceremonial scarves and floral bouquets, followed by the lighting of a lamp to inaugurate the event.Participants included migrant workers from different parts of the district, representatives of voluntary organizations working on bonded labor, para-legal volunteers, students from Balurghat Law College and local residents. K. S. Rengma represented IJM, and Mandira Ray, a former chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee, was also present.
In his address, District Judge Manash Basu outlined the continuing relevance of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act. He emphasized how legal frameworks can help identify labor-related abuses, ensure relief and rehabilitation for survivors, and bring perpetrators within the reach of the law. Raising awareness among vulnerable communities, he said, remains essential to prevention.
The event was moderated by Suraj Das, secretary of Ujjiban Society. It concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Nikhilesh Karmakar, officer master of the DLSA.Officials said they hoped the camp would strengthen coordination between authorities and civil society groups while encouraging workers to seek assistance when faced with coercion or unlawful labor practices.
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