About Bandhua Mukti Morcha

Awareness Marches:
A special programme of awareness generation among people was undertaken in the areas having predominance of child labourers was carried out in the states of UP, Maharastra and Karnataka. It comprised long marches, holding of protest meetings, both during day time at important places and at evening at halting places. Wall writings, pasting of posters, distribution of hand bills and stickers were also done. About 4,000 to 5,000 kms were covered during these marches. Local MLAs, MPs and other distinguished people addressed the audience. This programme created a good impact not only on parents and people but also the respective local administration.

Mazdoor Vani:
After persistent efforts, BMM has been able to get a slot for broadcasting information about rights of labourers, wage rates, etc. with All India Radio. This programme has been broadcast for the last 10 months. The unorganized labourers are being benefited in the terms of wage rates prescribed by the Government.

Legal Action:
Apart from direct action through persuasion and pressure, BMM has successfully fought legal battles in Courts including Supreme Court for liberation of bonded labour and their subsequent rehabilitation. In the case of stone quarry workers in Faridabad, a long legal battle has emerged. It was started in 1982, yet it is going on. Under the direction of the Supreme Court, a piece of land has been earmarked by the local administration for this purpose.

Now, we have to pursue the cases of bonded and child labour with the National Human Rights Commission, New Delhi for their liberation, and rehabilitation and payment of due wages. This channel for legal action in respect of bonded and child labour has proved speedy and effective.

The nature of these issues is such that without legal action, justice cannot be delivered.

Organisational structure and Human Resources:
BMM is a voluntary registered organization with a democratic set up. There are 15 members of the standing committee. These members are will known social activists. Its official functionaries are Chairperson, General Secreary and Treasurer. BMM has its own secretariat including professionals and field staff (teachers, activists etc.) In all 50 persons are on effective role to execute its activities and projects. They have developed ethics of zeal and dedication to the holistic cause of bonded and child labour. Depending upon the nature of the project, additional staff is recruited to meet the requirements.

Further, the registered office is located at Central Place, 7 Jantar Mantar Road, New Delhi - 110 001 and easy to approach. Logistically, it is reasonably equipped, having computers, fax machines and a number of telephones.