Despite the enactment of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, bonded labour continues to persist in parts of India. Critically examine the structural causes behind its persistence and suggest measures to strengthen identification, rescue and rehabilitation mechanisms.

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Introduction

The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976 abolished bonded labour and extinguished related debts. Yet, its persistence in sectors such as brick kilns, agriculture, mining, and domestic work reveals deep-rooted structural vulnerabilities in India’s socio-economic fabric.

Structural Causes

Chronic Poverty and Indebtedness: Landlessness, lack of formal credit, and exploitative labour contracting push vulnerable families into debt bondage.
Caste and Social Hierarchies: Marginalised communities, particularly SCs, STs, and migrant workers, remain disproportionately affected due to entrenched social discrimination.
Informal Labour Markets: High informality, absence of written contracts, and subcontracting chains obscure accountability.
Migration and Trafficking: Seasonal and inter-state migrants lack documentation, awareness, and access to grievance redressal.
Weak Enforcement: Poor identification, inadequate vigilance committees, low conviction rates, and administrative apathy dilute deterrence.
Inadequate Rehabilitation: Delays in compensation under the Central Sector Scheme and lack of livelihood support lead to relapse into bondage.

Measures for Strengthening Mechanisms

Proactive Identification: Conduct periodic district-level surveys using technology, community informants, and civil society partnerships.
Strengthening Vigilance Committees: Ensure functional, accountable committees with representation from NGOs and survivors.
Convergence of Laws: Integrate efforts under the Bonded Labour Act, SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and labour codes for holistic protection.
Time-bound Rehabilitation: Ensure immediate release certificates, direct benefit transfers, skill training, and land or housing support.
Access to Institutional Credit: Expand financial inclusion and SHG networks to prevent debt dependency.
Awareness and Legal Aid: Promote legal literacy and fast-track courts for labour exploitation cases.

Conclusion

Eradicating bonded labour requires addressing structural inequities, strengthening enforcement, and ensuring sustainable rehabilitation. A rights-based, convergence-driven approach is essential to translate legal abolition into social reality.

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