The system of debt bondage in India is an outcome of certain categories of indebtedness, which have been prevailing for a long time involving certain economically, exploited helpless and weaker sections of society. This system originated from the uneven social structure characterized by feudal and semi feudal conditions. Bonded labourers constitute perhaps the weakest section of rural poor.
The genesis of rural poverty in India dates back to the later half of the 18th century when the erstwhile colonial rulers introduced the Zamindary system. Subsequently the anti farmers policies of the colonial government had also contributed towards the indebtedness of a large number of small and medium farmers and eventually pushing them into the category of landless labourers.
The problem of bonded labour closely linked to the broader socio economic problems of surplus labour, unemployment, under employment, inequitable distribution of land and assets, low wages, distress migration, social customs etc. With the phenomenon of small and marginal farmers and rural artisans steadily becoming landless labourers generate environment which can perpetuate the system of bonded labour.
Bonded Labour – Defined
In People’s Union for Democratic Rights and others Vs. Union of India and others, bonded labour has been defined as “when a person provides labour of service to another for remuneration which is lees than the minimum wage, the labour or service provided by him clearly falls within the scope and ambit of the words “forced labour” under Article 23 (of the Constitution of India).”
Bonded Labour System:
Bonded labour system means the system of forced or partly forced labour under which a debtor enters or has or is presumed to have entered into an agreement with the creditor to the effect that he would –
1. Render, by himself or through any member of his family or any person dependent on him labour or service to the creditor for a specified period or for any unspecified period either with wages or nominal wages.
2. For the freedom of employment or other means of livelihood for a specified period or for unspecified period.
3. Forfeit the right to move freely throughout the territory of India.
4. Forfeit the right to appropriate or sell at market value any of his property or product of his labour of a member of his family or any person dependent on him.
And includes the system of forced or partly forced labour under which a surety for a debtor enters or has or is presumed to have entered into an agreement with the creditor to the effect that in the event of the failure of the debtor to repay the debt, he would render the bonded labour on behalf of the debtor.
Bonded Labour Liberation Front (Bandhua Mukti Morcha)
Bandhua Mukti Morcha (BMM) was formed in 1981 to wage a battle against the pernicious bonded labour system in India. Administrative and political will to carry out the Constitutional mandate and enforce prohibitive laws of the land failed to produce any results. Against all odds, Bandhua Mukti Morcha has achieved the release of over 1, 24,000 bonded Indians from the shackles of slavery. A large number of them have been rehabilitated. From the Carpet Industry alone, about a thousand children have been rescued and restored to their parents. Their rehabilitation has been monitored effectively. BMM has started a campaign for the provision of non-formal, full time education for these children, along with the supply of nutrition to each and also some food security to their poor families.
As a result of BMM’s efforts, the leaders of the leading political parties have expressed their concern on the issue of child labour and often made a mention of it in their election manifestos in Parliamentary elections. Bandhua Mukti Morcha has been campaigning for a national minimum wage equivalent to first-day salary of a class IV employee in Government service. Its revision is to be done on cost price index as is done for the Government employees. The State Governments may fix minimum wage according to the local conditions but not below the National Minimum Wage.
Constitutional and legal provisions:
The constitution of India guarantees to all its citizens as has been mentioned in the preamble- justice, social, economic and political. Freedom of thought and expression. Belief, faith and worship, equity of status and opportunity and fraternity, dignity of individual and unity of the nation.
Under Article 23 of the Constitution Traffic in Human beings and beggar and other similar forms of forced labour are prohibited and any contravention of this provision shall be an offence punishable in accordance with law. Bonded labour system (Abolition) ordinance was promulgated which was later on replaced by the bonded labour system (Abolition) Act, 1976.
Under Article 42. Provision for just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief - The State shall make provision for securing just and humane conditions of work and for maternity relief.
Under Article 43. Living wage, etc. for workers - The State shall endeavor to secure, by suitable legislation or economic organization or in any other way, to all workers, agricultural, industrial or otherwise, work and living wage, conditions of work ensuring a decent standard of life and full enjoyment of leisure and social and cultural opportunities and, in particular the State shall endeavor to promote cottage industrial on an individual or co-operative basis in rural areas.
Under Section 374 of IPC. Unlawful compulsory labour - Whoever unlawfully compels any person to labour against the will of that person, shall be punishable with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.
Labour organization and Bonded labour:
In June, 2001 the Director General of ILO submitted a global report on ‘stopping forced labour’. This report contained references regarding incidences of bonded labour in India on the basis of survey conducted by the Gandhi Peace Foundation and National Labour Institute.
The Gandhi Peace Foundation and the National Labour Institute conducted a survey in 1978-79 which has estimated the number of bonded labour as 2.6 million. Since the methodology adopted by the Gandhi peace foundation was not scientific the government has not accepted their estimates. The need for having authentic data on the number of bonded labourers in India was emphasized. It was urged that comprehensive and authoritative survey might be conducted in this regard.
One project namely Prevention of family indebtedness with Micro Finance scheme and related services is being implemented in three states namely Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The objective of the project is to induce existing micro finance institutions to develop, test and offer savings and loan products particular tailor made for vulnerable families at the risk of getting into debt traps. The prime focus of the project is a preventing marginal family from falling into debt bondage and also to ensure sustainable rehabilitation of freed bonded labourers.
Role of NHRC:
The Apex Court has directed that the NHRC should be involved in dealing with the issue of bonded labour. In pursuance to the above order, a central action group has been constituted in the NHRC. This group is holding regular meetings and the matter is being pursued with the state governments.
In Bandhwa Mukti Morcha case also the Supreme Court had issued certain directions to the central government and various authorities. In order to insure compliance of the above directions, Ministry of Labour constituted a task force, comprising of central officers who are responsible for enforcement of various labour laws. The Task Force was required to undertake periodic visits and inspection of the stone Quarries and crushers to ascertain facts about working and living conditions of the workers. The Task Force is carrying out its assignment regularly and submitting reports to the central as well as state governments indicating therein status of compliance on the part of the concerned authorities with the statutory provisions and the directions of the Supreme Court.
Centrally Sponsored Plan- Scheme for rehabilitation of Bonded Labour:
In order to assist the state governments in their task of rehabilitation of released bonded labourers, the Ministry of Labour launched a centrally sponsored scheme since May, 1978 for rehabilitation of bonded labourers. Under this scheme rehabilitation assistance of Rs. 20000/- per freed bonded labour is provided which is shared by the central and state governments on 50:50 basis in the case of the Seven North Eastern states, 100% central assistance if they express their inability to provide their share. The scheme also provide for financing of the following activities:
1. Rs. 2 lakhs per sensitive district can be provided to concerned state government to conduct survey for identification of bonded labour once in 3 years.
2. Central assistance of Rs. 10 lakhs every year can be sanctioned to every state government to undertake awareness generation activities relating to bonded labour system.
3. Rs. 5 lakhs every year can be sanctioned to every state government to study impact of existing land debt related issues affecting bonded labourers and the impact of poverty alleviation programs and financial assistance provided by various government sources so far.
4. Besides, above the state government have also been advised to integrate/dovetail the centrally sponsored scheme for rehabilitation of bonded labour with other ongoing poverty alleviation schemes such as Swaran Jayanti Gram Swa Rojgar Yojna (SJGSRY), special component plan for Supreme Court, tribal sub plan etc. Accordingly, the rehabilitation package provided by the concerned stated governments for the freed bonded labourers includes the following major components-
· Allotment of house site and agricultural land.
· Land development.
· Provision of low cost dwelling units.
· Animal husbandry, dairy, poultry, piggery etc.
· Training for acquiring new skills, developing existing skills.
· Wage employment, enforcement of minimum wages etc.
· Supply of essential commodities under targeted public distribution system.
· Education for children.
· Protection of civil rights.
The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976:
This act extends to whole of India and it came into force on 25th day of October, 1975.
Object: The object of the act is to provide for the abolition of the bonded labour system with a view to prevent the economic and physical exploitation of the weaker sections of the people and for the matters connected therewith and incidental thereto.
The Bonded labour under the act has been defined as “any labour or service rendered under the bonded labour system”.
It furthers defines Bonded labour system as “the system of forced, or partly forced, labour under which a debtor enters, or has, or is presumed to have, entered, into an agreement with the creditor to the effect that –
In consideration of an advance obtained by him or by any of his lineal ascendants or descendants (whether or not such advance is evidenced by any document) and in consideration of the interest if any, on such advance, or
(i) In pursuance of any social or customary obligation, or
(ii) In pursuance of an obligation devolving on him by succession, or
(iii) For any economic consideration received by him or by any of his lineal ascendants or descendants, or
(iv) By reason of his birth in any particular caste or community he would –
· Render, by himself or through any member of his family, or any person dependent on him, labour or service to the creditor or for the benefit of the creditor, for a specified period or for an unspecified period, either without wages or for nominal wages, or
· Forfeit the freedom of employment or other means of livelihood for a specified period or for an unspecified period, or
· Forfeit the right to move freely throughout the territory of India, or
· Forfeit the right to appropriate or sell at market value any of his property or product of his labour.
The main provisions as laid down under the act are:
Abolition of Bonded Labour System: As per Section 4 of this act, the bonded labour system shall stand abolished and every bonded labourer shall stand freed and discharged from any obligation. Furthermore,
· No person shall make any advance or in pursuance of bonded labour system.
· Compel any person to render any bonded labour
Under Section 5 of the act, any custom or tradition or any contract, agreement or other instrument (whether entered into or executed before or after the commencement of this Act), by virtue of which any person, or any member of the family or dependant of such person, is required to do any work or render any service as a bonded labourer, shall be void and inoperative.
Extinguishments of liability to repay bonded debt: As per Section 6 of the act, every obligation of a bonded labour to repay any bonded debt shall be deemed to have been extinguished. No proceedings can be held in any civil court for the recovery of any bonded debt. Every attachment made of any movable property of the bonded labour or was seized or removed from his custody, such movable property shall be resorted to the possession of the bonded labourer. If the restoration is not made within 30 days from the coming of this act into force, the aggrieved party may apply to the prescribed authority for the restoration of the possession of such property. Under this act if any suit or proceeding for the recovery of any advance made to a bonded labourer is pending, such a suit will stand dismissed. Furthermore, every bonded labourer detained in civil prison shall be released from detention.
As per Section 7 of the act the property vested in a bonded labour which was under any mortgage, charge or lien shall stand freed and discharged from such mortgage, lien or charge such property shall be resorted to the possession of the bonded labourer. If any delay the matter may be referred to the civil court of the lowest pecuniary jurisdiction.
As per Section 9 of the act, no creditor shall accept any payment against any bonded debt, which has been extinguished or deemed to have been extinguished or fully satisfied by virtue of the provisions of this Act. Whoever contravenes the provision shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term, which may extend to three years and also with fine.
Implementing Authorities: The State Government may confer such powers and impose such duties on a District Magistrate as may be necessary to ensure that the provisions of this Act are properly carried out. The District Magistrate under that section shall, as far as practicable, try to promote the welfare of the freed bonded labourer by securing and protecting the economic interests of such bonded labourer so that he may not have any occasion or reason to contract any further bonded debt.
Vigilance Committees and its functions: Each Vigilance Committee, constituted for a district, shall consist of the following members, namely: --
(a) The District Magistrate, or a person nominated by him, who shall be the Chairman;
(b) Three persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes and residing in the district, to be nominated by the District Magistrate;
(c) Two social workers, resident in the district, to be nominated by the District Magistrate;
(d) Not more than three persons to represent the official or non-official agencies in the district connected with rural development, to be nominated by the State Government;
(e) One person to represent the financial and credit institutions in the district, to be nominated by the District Magistrate.
The functions of each Vigilance Committee shall be,-
(a) To advise the District Magistrate or any officer authorized by him as to the efforts made, and action taken, to ensure that the provisions of this Act or of any rule made there under are properly implemented,
(b) To provide for the economic and social rehabilitation of the freed bonded labourers,
(c) To co-ordinate the functions of rural banks and co-operative societies with a view to canalizing adequate credit to the freed bonded labourer,
(d) To keep an eye on the number of offences of which cognizance has been taken under this Act,
(e) To make a survey as to whether there is any offence of which cognizance ought to be taken under this Act,
(f) To defend any suit instituted against a freed bonded labourer or a member of his family or any other person dependent on him for the recovery of the whole or part of any bonded debt or any other debt which is claimed by such person to be bonded debt.
Punishments:
· Punishment for enforcement of bonded labour – whoever, compels any person to render any bonded labour shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and also with fine , which may extend to two thousand rupees.
· Punishment for advancement of bonded debt - Whoever advances, any bonded debt shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term, which may extend to three years and also with fine which may extend to two thousand rupees.
· Punishment for extracting bonded labour under the bonded labour system - Whoever enforces any custom, tradition, contract, agreement or other instrument, by virtue of which any person or any member of the family of such person or any dependant of such person is required to render any service under the bonded labour system shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and also with fine which may extend to two thousand rupees.
· Punishment for omission or failure to restore possession of property to bonded labourers - Whoever, being required by this Act to restore any property to the possession of any bonded labourer, omits or fails to do so, within a period of thirty days from the commencement of this Act, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.
· Punishment for abetment to be an offence - Whoever abets any offence punishable under this Act shall, whether or not the offence abetted is committed, be punishable with the same punishment as is provided for the offence, which has been abetted.
Conclusion
Freedom from bondage would be meaningful only when the uncertainty and insecurity associated with bondage is removed through productive and income generating schemes. In the absence of poverty eradication measures, the rehabilitated bonded labourers are likely to fall back into their original state of bondage. The scheme for rehabilitation should be chosen in consultation with the beneficiary and it should be well planned with all requisite components and infrastructural facilities tide up. By an order of immediate priority, pockets in different parts of country which are dry, drought-prone and poverty stricken and prone to other natural calamities, migration, indebtedness and also from where the incidence of bonded labour system have been reported on one time or the other, could be identified and surveys undertaken on selective basis to identify the bonded labour system. The bonded labour so identified should be released and rehabilitated on priority basis. Besides special efforts should be made to remove the general economic backwardness of such area by focused integration of various ongoing plan programmes.
BIBLOIGRAPHY
www.labour.nic.in/annrep/files2k1/lab9.pdf
www.indiacode.nic.in/fullact1.asp?tfnm=197619
www.vakilno1.com/bareacts/bondedlaboursystemact/bondedlaboursystemact.htm
