Bonded Labour in India

On International Labour Day, the harsh realities of bonded labour in India come to light through the stories of individuals like Mukesh Adivasi and K. Thenmozhi. Their experiences highlight systemic exploitation and the urgent need for reforms to ensure justice and freedom for all workers.

Causes of Bonded Labour

• Immediate triggers such as medical emergencies, dowries, food shortages, or job loss drive workers to seek loans or advances, trapping them in exploitation.
• Systemic issues include: 
  • Discrimination based on religion, ethnicity, or caste.
  • Widespread illiteracy and lack of access to information.
  • Employer monopolies over local financial and labour markets.
  • Dominance of social elites.

Government Initiatives and Challenges

• Bonded labour was abolished in 1975, but challenges persist.
• In 2016, the government aimed to rehabilitate 1.84 crore bonded labourers by 2030, but only 12,760 were rescued by 2021.
• An estimated 1.71 crore bonded labourers remain trapped.

Forced Labour and Unorganised Workers

• India's unorganised sector comprises 39 crore out of 47 crore total employment, lacking unionisation and collective bargaining power.
• Unorganised workers face exploitation with no formal contracts or protection against arbitrary dismissal.

Current Exploitation

• Investigations reveal Indian industries rely on forced labour, prioritising profits over workers' rights.
• Migrant workers, driven by factors like climate change and poverty, are vulnerable to exploitation.

Conclusion: Bonded and forced labour remains a critical issue in India, necessitating systemic reforms to protect the rights and dignity of workers. The narrative highlights the need for effective implementation of policies and greater awareness to combat modern-day slavery.