Social Worker Avdhash Kaushal Passed Away

• 14 Jul 2022

Noted social worker and Padma Shri awardee Avdhash Kaushal has passed away.

• Kaushal headed the non-governmental organisation (NGO), Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra (RLEK) for development work amongst tribal hill communities in the areas of Jaunsar-Bawar, a tribal belt of Dehradun district.
• RLEK over the years worked for the cause of the underprivileged and marginalised communities and fought against the systemic inequalities and injustices with the main thrust being empowerment and emancipation of bonded labourers with a special focus on women.
• It took many initiatives ranging from protecting the fragile eco-system of Doon valley, abolition of bonded labour system in Jaunsar-Bawar area of Dehradun and securing the rights (right to education, right to vote and livelihood rights) of marginalised communities. Kaushal fought for the rights of Van Gujjars.
• The main milestone of RLEK was the limestone quarries case fought by it in the 1980s, in which the Supreme Court ordered the closing of the 101 mines in the Doon Valley.
• Avdhash Kaushal was also nominated as a member of the International Committee to probe into war crimes and disappearances in Sri Lanka.