Jajpur (Abhimanyu Mishra, District Correspondent, Jajpur): In a swift joint operation on 26 August 2025, the Jajpur District Administration rescued a family of five including three minor children from a brick kiln where they had been trapped in bonded labour for over ten years against an advance of just ₹3,000.
The rescue operation was carried out under the direction of the District Magistrate, Jajpur, and supervised by the Additional District Magistrate. The joint team comprised the Assistant Collector, Tehsildar, Assistant Labour Officer, Child Protection Officer, members of the Vigilance Committee, Childline Jajpur, and local police. Immediate inquiry and protection were ensured for the survivors.
The rescued victims, identified as Naveen Munda (47), his wife Gita Munda (34), and their children aged 14, 8, and 5, were forced to work more than 10 hours a day. The kiln owner, Mahendra Jena, not only exploited the couple but also engaged their children in goat rearing and domestic chores, preventing them from attending school or Anganwadi centres. The family lived in inhuman conditions in a temporary shelter without electricity or basic amenities, while being subjected to threats, abuse, and restrictions on their movement.
Revenue officials confirmed the offence under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976. Release certificates are being processed for each member of the family to enable access to rehabilitation benefits. The children have been produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Jajpur; two girls are temporarily placed at the Sakhi Centre, and the boy has been placed at Child Care Institution (Balashram), Jajpur. An FIR has been lodged at Panikoili Police Station against the kiln owner, by the victim and strict legal action will follow.
“ The Jajpur administration is committed to a zero-tolerance policy against bonded labour. No family should be trapped in such inhuman exploitation, and strictest legal action will be taken against the offenders, ” said the Additional District Magistrate, Jajpur.
“ Our priority now is the complete rehabilitation of the survivors, and ensure the children are enrolled in school and the family begins a dignified life free from bondage ,” added the Child Protection Officer, Jajpur.
The family had been paid only ₹1,000 per week along with 10 kg of rice, but the cost of the rice (₹30 per kg) was unfairly added to their advance, keeping them perpetually debt. They were not allowed to visit relatives freely and were even prevented from attending the funeral of a close relative last year. The kiln owner reportedly subjected them to repeated verbal abuse, physical violence, and constant threats, creating an atmosphere of fear and control.
The Jajpur District Administration has reaffirmed its strong commitment to completely eradicating bonded labour practices from the district. Officials have urged community members to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of forced or bonded labour immediately so that prompt action can be taken to protect vulnerable families.