Bengaluru: Revenue minister, Kagodu Thimmappa on Wednesday claimed that bonded labour still existed in Kodagu district.

Mr Thimmappa was recently in Kodagu to find a solution to the problems of Diddalli tribals. Tribals from Diddalli forest were on a protest demanding that the government should give them land titles besides agricultural land so that they would not have to go back to work as labourers in coffee plantations.

Mr Thimmappa claimed that he made this statement after enquiring about the local practices in coffee plantations. "These planters retain the Aadhaar and voter ID cards of labourers with them and lend money. In return, the labourers have to work in plantations till the debts are cleared and only then will get their ID cards back. This is nothing but bonded labour," Mr Thimmappa said. He however, did not disclose how many labourers have been freed and how many planters follow this practice.

The minister said the government had already built four layouts in Virajpet and Somwarpet for the tribals of Diddalli. "Since Diddalli falls under the forest department, the government could not give agricultural land to them. Many tribals have agreed to move to the new layouts," he added.

On the severe drought, Mr Thimmappa said that considering its severity, the government has decided not to transfer officials of the revenue and RDPR departments for the next three months.