Kolkata: The state has adopted two measures — a comprehensive SOP and a dedicated portal — designed to streamline the reporting, identification, rescue, rehabilitation, compensation, and long-term monitoring of bonded and child labour cases.The labour department rolled out the State SOP on Bonded Labour on July 24, which provides a detailed legal and administrative roadmap for govt authorities, outlining steps to rescue victims, ensure their full rehabilitation, and aggressively prosecute offenders.Officials noted that elements specific to Bengal’s unique socio-economic landscape have been integrated into this version of the SOP.The state has also started the NAVJEEVAN Portal. Developed by the central ministry, this digital case management platform allows authorities to log and track every phase of a bonded labour case — from initial reporting and rescue operations to financial compensation and long-term follow-up.Activists and civil society organisations working against human trafficking have welcomed the initiative. “By bringing multiple stakeholders onto a single digital platform, the system aims to reduce delays, improve information sharing, and ensure that cases do not fall through administrative gaps,” a department source said.
