(a) whether any complaint on Bonded Children in Nellore Sweetmeat shops in Andhra Pradesh has been lodged with NHRC;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether many States do not comply with the all provisions of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976;
(d) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(e) the States which do not constitute the Vigilance Committees at District and sub-Divisional levels under the Act of 1976?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI SANTOSH GANGWAR)
(a) & (b): The National Human Rights Commission took suo-motu cognisance of a news item under the caption `4 Bonded Children freed from Nellore Units` published in `The Hindu` dated 23.02.2003 which, inter-alia, stated that 4 children, including one girl, were rescued from sweetmeat units in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh.
(c) & (d): No, Sir. The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976 has been extended throughout the country and the provisions of the Act are reportedly implemented by all the State Governments and Union Territories.
(e): Vigilance Committees as per Section 13 of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976 have reportedly been constituted at District and Sub-Divisional levels in all the States except the State of Manipur. As there is no incidence of bonded labour in the State of Manipur, the State Government does not consider necessary to constitute the Vigilance Committees.