The Orissa state government formally declares at least 17 persons freed from 'hereditary bonded labour', a social justice possibly never done before in the country.The Puri district administration is currently preparing 'certificates' to be handed over to these men of barber caste from Bramhagiri area, who were bound by the age-old practice of what is locally called 'Bartan'.
The practice mandated them to wash the feet of guests during social functions in villages in lieu of about 15 kgs of paddy per annum.  read more »