Archive · 30 Jul 2026
Odisha Releases Odia SOP to Combat Bonded Labour
Odisha’s law minister, Prithiviraj Harichandan, showed a new guide in the local language that helps officials find, rescue, and help people who are forced to work as bonded labourers.
He did this on the 50th anniversary of a law that ended bonded labour.
He promised to arrest and punish people who force others into this work.
He also shared a book called "Restored in Odisha" that tells about the state’s efforts.
Survivors and groups want the state to mark February 9 every year as a day to remember and fight bonded labour.
Odisha law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan unveiled a revised Central SOP on bonded labour in Odia language.
The SOP guides officials on identifying, rescuing, releasing, repatriating, and rehabilitating bonded labourers, including those from other states.
The release coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Bonded Labour System Abolition Act, 1976.
Minister pledged stringent legal action against traffickers and middlemen and announced the publication "Restored in Odisha".
Survivors and civil society urged an annual Bonded Labour Abolition Day on Feb 9 to raise awareness.
- Who
- Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan and bonded labour survivors
- What
- Release of a revised Central SOP on bonded labour in Odia and pledge to crack down on trafficking
- When
- July 30, 2024
- Where
- Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
- Why
- To improve implementation, coordination, and combat bonded labour and human trafficking
- Minister
- Prithiviraj Harichandan
- Document
- Revised Central SOP on Bonded Labour (Odia)
- Publication
- Restored in Odisha
- Event
- 50th anniversary of Bonded Labour System Abolition Act, 1976
- Survivors assembled
- More than 200
- Collective
- Shramavahini
- Proposed observance
- Annual Bonded Labour Abolition Day on Feb 9