Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Bengal Government Adopts Zero-Tolerance Drive Against Child, Bonded Labour
The West Bengal government wants to stop children and workers from being forced to work.
It says there should be no tolerance for this kind of exploitation.
Officials from different departments must work together whenever a complaint is made.
They are expected to rescue victims quickly and keep them safe.
Victims should also receive help to rebuild their lives.
Authorities must investigate cases and prosecute people responsible.
Justice Shampa Sarkar said bonded labour seriously harms people’s freedom and dignity.
The state will use a portal called Navajeevan to keep track of cases.
Officials from all 23 districts took part in a programme about how to respond.
West Bengal has called for coordinated, zero-tolerance action against child labour and bonded labour.
Labour Secretary Rachna Bhagat said every complaint should receive prompt rescue, protection, rehabilitation and prosecution.
Calcutta High Court Justice Shampa Sarkar described bonded labour as a severe violation of human dignity and freedom.
Officials from all 23 districts, police, labour departments and civil society groups attended the state-level programme.
West Bengal is adopting the Navajeevan Data Portal to document, track and monitor labour exploitation cases.
- Who
- The West Bengal government, labour and police officials, district magistrates, anti-human trafficking units, civil society organisations and legal services authorities.
- What
- They launched a coordinated, zero-tolerance approach to child labour and bonded labour, including rescue, protection, rehabilitation, monitoring and prosecution.
- When
- The state-level orientation programme was held on Saturday.
- Where
- Across West Bengal, with representatives from all 23 districts attending the programme.
- Why
- To end child and bonded labour, ensure complaints receive a prompt response, protect victims and secure justice.
- Lead official
- Labour Secretary Rachna Bhagat called for inter-departmental coordination and accountability.
- Court representative
- Justice Shampa Sarkar of Calcutta High Court called bonded labour a serious violation of human dignity and freedom.
- Response process
- The stated response chain is to prohibit, protect, rescue and rehabilitate, alongside effective prosecution.
- District coverage
- Officials representing all 23 districts participated in the orientation programme.
- Tracking system
- West Bengal is adopting the Ministry of Labour and Employment’s Navajeevan Data Portal.
- Portal purpose
- The portal will document, track and monitor child and bonded labour cases.