NHRC Intervention to Protect the Rights of Migrant Families Working at Brick Kilns in Varanasi

 

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognizance of the issue concerning the protection of the rights of migrant women and ensuring maternal and child health services for families working at brick kilns in Varanasi district.

In this context, Dr. Harishchandra Maurya, Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Varanasi, held a telephonic discussion with a JMN (Janmitra Nyas) field worker to develop an effective action plan for implementation of the NHRC directives across the district.

During the discussion, it was decided that the initial implementation would begin in Pindra Block as a pilot step, which will later be expanded to other areas of the district.

Coordination Meeting at PHC Pindra

In compliance with the directives, a coordination meeting was organized by a JMN worker with the Medical Officer In-Charge (MOIC), Pindra. During the meeting, several important decisions were taken regarding the implementation of health and rights-based interventions for migrant families working at brick kilns.

Key Action Points

1. Special Action Plan for Brick Kilns

A special action plan has been prepared for the 23 brick kilns located under Pindra Block. To facilitate necessary administrative coordination, the MOIC will formally send letters to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Pindra requesting their support in implementing the action plan.

2. Discussion on VHSNC Activities

During the meeting held at Primary Health Centre (PHC) Pindra, detailed discussions were conducted on strengthening the activities of the Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committees (VHSNCs). These committees will play an important role in reaching migrant families and ensuring access to essential health services.

3. Invitation to Weekly Progress Review (WPR) Meeting

Workers from Janmitra Nyas (JMN) have been specially invited to participate in the upcoming Weekly Progress Review (WPR) meeting scheduled for Monday.

Strategy for Migrant Families

The upcoming review meeting will focus on developing a comprehensive strategy for migrant families working at brick kilns, including:

• Conducting accurate surveys of migrant families living and working at brick kilns

• Preparing micro-plans for vaccination of children and pregnant women

• Ensuring access to essential health and nutrition services for migrant communities

• Strengthening coordination between the health department, local administration, and civil society organizations

This collaborative initiative represents an important step toward ensuring that migrant workers and their families—especially women and children—are not deprived of basic health services and their fundamental rights.

Through coordinated efforts between government officials and civil society organizations like Janmitra Nyas, the district administration aims to ensure that migrant families working at brick kilns receive proper healthcare, nutrition services, and protection of their rights.

For more details, read the full update here:
https://pvchr.blogspot.com/2026/02/nhrc-intervenes-to-protect.html

Official letter issued by the Office of the District Magistrate, Varanasi (06 February 2026) in reference to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) directing the Chief Medical Officer to investigate complaints regarding migrant women working at brick kilns being denied time to breastfeed their children and lacking access to essential maternal and child health services.