The National Human Rights Commission has sent a notice to the Uttar Pradesh government seeking a report on the working conditions of people in several brick kilns in Varanasi and Mirzapur.
The Commission has taken suo moto cognizance of the "pathetic condition" of a number of children working along with men and women in several brick kilns on both sides of Varanasi-Mirzapur Highway on way to Chunar.
The Commission has issued notices to the District Magistrates of Varanasi and Mirzapur calling for reports on number of surprise checks or raids conducted by the District Vigilance Committees in the last one year along with the figure of total number of brick kilns operating in Varanasi and Mirzapur, with their names and addresses.
The Commission, in its notice, also asked whether all the owners have obtained license to run the brick kilns from the competent authority.
"If not then as to how these brick kilns are allowed to operate and forward the names of officers with designation responsible for allowing illegal running of such brick kilns in their jurisdiction?," the Commission asked in its notice.
The Commission has also sought details on total number of labourers-- male, female and children with their residential addresses and age along with number of labourers belonging to SC, ST or OBC and if the provisions of SC/ST Act are being followed and wages paid to the labouers are in conformity with the notified minimum wages.
The Commission has also sought report on how the labourers were employed and whether the recruiting agents obtained a license under the Inter-state Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment & Conditions of Service) Act 1979.
The Commission asked if the principal employer obtained a Registration Certificate under the Act or not, and whether the brick-kiln operator paid benefits under the Act and the Rules made thereunder. If there is failure, the Commission asked for the names of officers with their designations.
