Saurav* and Aashiya* breathe a sigh of relief and sit down to discuss how they want to set up their home as a young married couple. They are able to do this because of Saurav’s recent employment as an electrician in a government institution. Working with the government guarantees a steady income, employment stability, and several additional advantages. It is a highly coveted position and a great achievement for Saurav.
Sadly, when the couple got married a year ago, they were robbed of these simple pleasures of newlywed life. In quest of a secure future, they left their hometown in West Bengal and traveled to Bihar via a job placement agency. There they were kept like prisoners, and after two weeks, they were transferred to their new employer’s house in Delhi to work as domestic helpers.
Eager and hardworking, they gave their best to satisfy their new employers as they took care of the house and did whatever they were told. Soon, they realized that this job entailed more than they agreed to do. The employers forced Saurav and Aashiya to work 13-14 hours a day. They were not permitted to leave the house, or talk with their families on the phone. They were expected to survive on one cup of tea and were not given any sustenance. They were given merely a cell phone and a few pieces of clothing, despite being promised monthly wages.
JVI and its partner EFICOR learned about their situation and apprised the local authorities about the situation. The teams conducted a rescue, freed the couple in February 2022, and obtained their release certificates. Release certificates, which are provided by the government, attest that a person who has been bonded is now free to live their life and has had all of their rights restored.
The aftercare teams ensured that Saurav and Aashiya transitioned smoothly back into the life they desired by persistently following up with the couple. We provided them with emotional support and ensured that they kept in touch with the authorities to avail themselves of the benefits of the assistance programs set up for survivors of bonded labor. On one such follow up we learned that Saurav had landed a job as an electrician with the government in West Bengal. The security that a job like this provides may be essential to the couple’s recovery. They will be able to begin a new life as well as guarantee that their extended family will receive the assistance they need.
*name changed to protect confidentiality
