A temporary relief from bonded labour

A temporary relief from bonded labour

## Fifty Years On: The Enduring Struggle Against Bonded Labour in India

**New Delhi, India** – As India commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, a critical examination of its efficacy and enduring relevance is paramount. While the legislation represented a monumental stride towards eradicating a deeply entrenched system of human exploitation, the voices of those who have experienced its limitations paint a complex picture. In the eastern state of Odisha, a region historically burdened by widespread bonded labour, many individuals who have been officially freed find themselves ensnared once more in the clutches of debt bondage, underscoring the persistent challenges in achieving true liberation.

The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act was enacted with the ambitious goal of dismantling the archaic practice where individuals are forced into labour to repay debts, often inherited and perpetuated across generations. This system, characterized by extreme exploitation, denial of basic human rights, and severe economic deprivation, has long plagued the Indian subcontinent. The Act declared bonded labour illegal and aimed to rehabilitate freed labourers, providing them with financial assistance and opportunities for alternative livelihoods.

However, the reality on the ground, as highlighted by the experiences of former bonded labourers in Odisha, suggests that the Act’s implementation has fallen short of its transformative potential. Many individuals, having been identified and released from bondage, face immense socio-economic pressures that push them back into similar exploitative arrangements. The lack of sustainable employment opportunities, inadequate rehabilitation packages, and the pervasive influence of moneylenders in rural economies create a fertile ground for the resurgence of debt bondage.

“We were told we were free,” shares a former labourer from a village in Ganjam district, who wishes to remain anonymous. “But when the money ran out, and there was no work, the same people who held us captive offered us loans again. What choice do we have? We have families to feed.” This sentiment is echoed by many, revealing a cycle of dependency that the Act, despite its noble intentions, has struggled to break.

Experts and activists point to several systemic failures that contribute to this ongoing struggle. The identification of bonded labourers remains a significant hurdle, with many cases going unreported due to fear, lack of awareness, or the subtle nature of modern-day bondage. Furthermore, the rehabilitation programs often lack the scale and sustainability required to provide genuine economic independence. Insufficient land redistribution, inadequate access to credit facilities, and a lack of skill development initiatives leave freed labourers vulnerable to re-exploitation.

The 50th anniversary of the Act serves not as a celebration of complete victory, but as a poignant reminder of the unfinished work. While the legal framework exists, its effectiveness hinges on robust enforcement, comprehensive social support systems, and sustained economic empowerment for vulnerable communities. The stories emerging from Odisha underscore the urgent need for a renewed commitment to not only abolish bonded labour but to ensure that freedom from it is not a temporary reprieve, but a permanent reality. A holistic approach, addressing the root causes of poverty and indebtedness, coupled with stronger community-led initiatives and proactive government intervention, is essential to truly consign this historical injustice to the annals of the past.

This article was created based on information from various sources and rewritten for clarity and originality.