This article primarily focuses on bonded labour in India, a prevalent socio-economic issue that’s increasingly garnering notice within the country and internationally. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) recently organized a seminar to address this issue which brought it back into the limelight.
The Seminar on Bonded Labour
The NHRC seminar was centred around the topic of “bonded labour”. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that there are approximately 1.17 crores bonded labourers in India as of 2014.
Reasons for the Persistence of Bonded Labour
Several reasons contribute to the continuation of bonded labour in India. These include: lack of awareness among workers and employers; low conviction rates; social bias towards bonded labour; migratory nature of bonded labour; and weak implementation of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act 1976.
The Concept of Bonded Labour
Bonded labour is a system where employers offer high-interest loans to workers, who then work at meagre wages to repay the debt. The Indian Supreme Court interprets bonded labour as wages below both the prevailing market wages and legal minimum wages.
The Constitution of India, specifically Article 23, outlaws any form of forced or coerced labour. Historically, bonded labour has been associated with rural economies, but it is also found in both rural and urban sectors featuring unorganized industries such as brick kilns, stone quarries, coal mining, agricultural labour, domestic servitude, circuses, and even sexual slavery.
Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act 1976
The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act 1976 was passed as a preventive measure against this heinous practice. Although the Act extends throughout India, its implementation is primarily managed by respective state governments.
The Act sets up Vigilance Committees at the district level to monitor and prevent bonded labour. These committees advise the District Magistrate (DM) to ensure proper implementation of this act. Moreover, the powers of a Judicial Magistrate can be conferred on an Executive Magistrate by State Governments/Union Territories for the trial of offences under this Act.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Year of enactment | 1976 |
| Role | To abolish bonded labour system |
| Coverage | Pan-India |
| Implementation | By respective state governments |
| Inclusion | Vigilance committees at district level |
Central Sector Scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourers (2016)
As a part of a concerted effort to address the issue, the Central Sector Scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourers was introduced in 2016. This scheme offers financial assistance up to the extent of Rs. Three lakhs to released bonded labourers, along with other non-cash benefits, to support their livelihoods after release.
