Despite the enactment of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act in 1976, the practice continues to plague society. Senior Civil Judge Srinivas Navale calls for urgent government action and rehabilitation.

  • The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, has failed to completely eradicate the practice after 50 years.
  • Judge Srinivas Navale emphasized the constitutional right to live with dignity.
  • Coordinated efforts between labor, women, and child development departments are crucial.
  • Paying less than the minimum wage can be legally classified as bonded labour.

KALABURAGI: Nearly fifty years after the implementation of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, the practice of bonded labour continues to persist in various forms across society. This stark reality was highlighted by Srinivas Navale, Senior Civil Judge and Member-Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA).

Speaking at an event in Kalaburagi, where he unveiled the flag of the Kalyana Karnataka Bonded Labour Liberation Federation, Mr. Navale stated that the government must prioritize the constitutional guarantee of every person's right to live with dignity. He underscored that the process must go beyond mere abolition to include the identification, liberation, and comprehensive rehabilitation of victims.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the persistence of bonded labour is a systemic failure that links economic vulnerability to human rights violations. The failure to bridge the gap between legislative intent and grassroots enforcement allows exploitation to thrive under the guise of debt or migration.

Ensuring every person’s right to live with dignity, guaranteed under the Constitution, should be the ultimate priority for the state.

The Judge cited recent instances of exploitation in Chincholi taluk and Chamarajanagar to illustrate the ongoing crisis. He specifically referenced Supreme Court precedents stating that paying wages below the prescribed minimum level constitutes a form of bonded labour, effectively trapping workers in a cycle of poverty.

Historical Background

The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act of 1976 was a landmark piece of legislation in India designed to end the centuries-old practice where individuals were forced to work to repay debts. While the law theoretically ended the practice, socio-economic factors like caste-based hierarchies and extreme poverty have allowed subtle forms of modern slavery to endure.

Did You Know?: The Supreme Court of India has ruled that any wage payment below the statutory minimum wage can be legally treated as bonded labour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What is the primary goal of the Bonded Labour Abolition Act?
Answer: The primary goal is to eliminate the practice of forced labor used to repay debts and to ensure the rehabilitation of those previously exploited.

Question 2: How can citizens report bonded labour?
Answer: Citizens can report such instances to the District Legal Services Authority, local police, or through designated child and labor helpline numbers.