Patna: The Department of Labor Resources in Bihar has taken a historic step towards ensuring the social security and dignified life of gig workers and bonded laborers. On Friday, the department signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the International Justice Mission (IJM) and the Indus Action Initiative. The signing ceremony, held at the Pratibimb Auditorium, also featured the release of an inspirational jingle named “Jagrukta” (Awareness) aimed at promoting public awareness of workers’ rights.
State Labor Commissioner Rajesh Bharti hailed the initiative as a milestone for the social integration of these workers. He noted that the newly passed Bihar Platform Based Gig Workers Bill will lead to the formation of a board to provide social and economic security to gig workers. He praised the partnerships with IJM and Indus Action, stating they will be instrumental in shaping future policies.
The “Jagrukta” jingle, designed to abolish bonded labor, will be broadcast through various media channels to create public opinion against this social evil. The initiative will also empower citizens to identify and report cases of bonded labor through a departmental toll-free number.
As part of the program, two former bonded laborers, Govind Paswan and Devendra Manjhi, shared their emotional stories of being rescued from forced labor in Bengaluru and their subsequent rehabilitation. Their stories were used to demonstrate that the rehabilitation process is both possible and effective.
The agreement with IJM is designed to streamline the process of identifying, liberating, and rehabilitating bonded laborers. Meanwhile, the agreement with Indus Action will provide the Bihar government with crucial technical assistance in formulating a social security policy for gig workers, positioning Bihar as a model state in protecting workers’ rights.
