In a significant step toward protecting the human rights and dignity of marginalized communities, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India has intervened in response to a petition submitted by the People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) regarding the denial of breastfeeding rights and access to maternal and child healthcare among Musahar women working in brick kilns in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
This intervention reflects growing national recognition of the urgent need to address systemic neglect and ensure that the most vulnerable women and children are not left behind.
Background: A Petition for Justice
On 8 August 2025, Lenin Raghuvanshi, Founder-Convener of PVCHR, submitted a petition to NHRC highlighting grave human rights concerns faced by Musahar women working in brick kilns across Harahua, Badagaon, Pindara, and Arajiline blocks of Varanasi.
The petition documented serious violations, including:
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Lack of access to Anganwadi services, maternal healthcare, and immunisation
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Absence of safe and dignified spaces for breastfeeding
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Forced return to work immediately after childbirth
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Severe health risks to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and infants
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Systemic neglect of migrant and marginalized Musahar families
Despite these challenges, grassroots efforts led by JanMitra Nyas, under the leadership of Shruti Nagvanshi and in partnership with CRY – Child Rights and You, demonstrated that community-based interventions could significantly improve outcomes.
Between 2022 and 2024:
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Institutional deliveries increased from 54% to 65%
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Colostrum feeding quadrupled
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Child immunisation rates tripled
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Infant mortality fell by 50%
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No child deaths were reported in 2024 in intervention areas
These outcomes proved that change is possible when rights-based, community-driven approaches are supported.
NHRC Action: A Critical Milestone
On 25 February 2026, the NHRC registered the case (No. 23272/24/72/2025) and issued directions to the District Magistrate of Varanasi to:
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Take appropriate action within four weeks
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Associate the complainant and affected communities
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Ensure protection of maternal and child rights
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Report back on actions taken
This directive marks an important acknowledgment by India’s apex human rights body that breastfeeding is not merely a health issue but a fundamental human right linked to dignity, survival, and equality.
PVCHR and JanMitra Nyas Response: Cooperation with District Administration
Following the NHRC directive, PVCHR and JanMitra Nyas formally wrote to the District Magistrate, Varanasi, expressing full cooperation and urging immediate action.
In the letter, PVCHR emphasized the need to:
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Conduct field assessments in brick kiln areas
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Ensure access to maternal healthcare, immunisation, and nutrition services
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Establish breastfeeding-friendly and safe working conditions
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Strengthen coordination between health, labour, and ICDS departments
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Involve affected communities in monitoring and implementation
PVCHR and JanMitra Nyas also offered technical and field-level support to assist the administration in implementing sustainable solutions.
Breastfeeding is a Human Right
For Musahar women, breastfeeding is not just a biological act—it is an assertion of dignity, survival, and equality.
As one mother, Kajal, expressed:
“Brick-making can wait, but my baby cannot.”
Her words reflect the urgent reality faced by countless women forced to choose between survival and motherhood.
The right to breastfeed is protected under:
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The Constitution of India (Right to Life and Dignity – Article 21)
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National Food Security Act
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Maternity Benefit Act
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International human rights conventions
Denying this right constitutes a violation of both national and international law.
Toward Systemic Change
The NHRC’s intervention offers a powerful opportunity to create systemic reforms in India’s unorganized brick kiln sector.
It also highlights the importance of collaboration between:
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Government authorities
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Civil society organizations
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Local communities
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Human rights institutions
Together, these actors can ensure that no woman is forced to sacrifice her child’s health and survival due to poverty and neglect.
PVCHR’s Continued Commitment
PVCHR and JanMitra Nyas remain committed to working with authorities and communities to ensure:
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Protection of maternal and child rights
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Access to healthcare and nutrition
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Dignified working conditions
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Accountability and justice
This intervention represents not just a legal step—but a step toward restoring dignity and hope for some of India’s most marginalized families.
Because protecting one mother’s right to breastfeed protects the future of a generation.
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| NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION |
| MANAV ADHIKAR BHAWAN BLOCK-C, GPO COMPLEX, INA, NEW DELHI- 110023 |
| Fax No.: 011-24651332 Website: www.nhrc.nic.in |
| (Law Division) |
| Case No.- 23272/24/72/2025 |
| Date : 25/02/2026 |
| To, |
Collectorate Compound, Hamrautia,
VARANASI UTTAR PRADESH
221102
Email- dmvar@nic.in
| Sir/ Madam, |
| The complaint/ intimation dated 08/08/2025, received from LENIN RAGHUVANSHI, FOUNDER-CONVENER in respect of MUSAHAR WOMEN AND CHILDREN, was placed before the Commission on 25/02/2026. Upon perusing the same, the Commission directed as follows: |
| This complaint be transmitted to the concerned authority for such action as deemed appropriate. The authority concerned is directed to take appropriate action within 4 weeks associating the complainant/victim and to inform him/her of the action taken in the matter. |
| 2. Accordingly, I am attaching scanned copy of the complaint/ intimation for necessary action as per the directions of the Commission. |
Yours faithfully |
| CC to |
Complainant Details: |
Sd/-     |
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