Patna: A year after losing his left arm and being rescued from alleged bonded labour in Haryana,16-year-old Santosh from Kishanganj is awaiting a prosthetic limb that could help restore his freedom. As the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is observed on Thursday, the teenager is yet to receive his bonded labour release certificate, a prerequisite for accessing key rehabilitation benefits.Santosh, whose left arm was severed by a fodder-cutting machine while he was allegedly being kept as a bonded labourer, said a prosthetic limb would help him perform daily tasks more independently. “My life is fine even without it, but I hope it gets better with the new hand,” he said.“An arm once lost can never be returned,” said his father, Bhimlal Rishidev. “For the past one year, we have seen Santosh struggle with even the simplest everyday tasks. Nothing can undo what he has endured, but if this prosthetic helps him regain his liberty, it will feel like he has got a part of his life back,” he said.The prosthetic is being offered free of cost by a team of specialists. According to those involved in the initiative, doctors will first assess the condition of Santosh’s stump and muscle responses before designing a customised myoelectric prosthesis. The rehabilitation programme will also include counselling, functional training and follow-up monitoring.Officials associated with the case said Santosh, who was traumatised after his rescue, has gradually regained confidence through counselling and support. “He now wants to continue his studies and build a better future,” said Anil Kumar Sharma, labour enforcement officer, Terhagachh.Santosh has received medical assistance from the Bihar labour department, a disability certificate and counselling support. An application for disability pension is under process, while Rs 25,000 has been deposited in a fixed deposit through the chief minister’s relief fund. Efforts are also underway to re-enrol him in school. Having dropped out after Class V, he is now preparing for admission to Class IX.Despite these steps, key aspects of rehabilitation remain incomplete. Santosh is yet to receive the release certificate required under the Centre’s bonded labour rehabilitation scheme, and his family is still awaiting the Rs 10 lakh relief recommended by the National Human Rights Commission.For Santosh, the promise of a prosthetic arm represents something official paperwork has yet to provide — a tangible chance to rebuild his life.
