MINISTER OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT(SHRI MALLIKARJUN KHARGE)
(a) to (e): A statement is annexed.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1619
FOR 07.03.2011 BY SHRIMATI SEEMA UPADHYAY, SHRIMATI USHA VERMA REGARDING BONDED LABOURERS.
(a) to (e): The number of bonded labourers identified released and rehabilitated during
the last three years, State-wise is as under:
Year Name of the No. of bonded labourers State/UTs identified, released and rehabilitated
2008-09 Bihar 409 Uttar Pradesh 80 West Bengal 54
2009-10 Bihar 264 Uttar Pradesh 100
2010-11 Chhattisgarh 586
(up to Uttar Pradesh 100
31.12.2010) West Bengal 77
2. The Bonded Labour System has been abolished by law throughout the country with effect
from 25th October, 1975 under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Ordinance which was replaced
by the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976. As and when existence of bonded labour is
detected, such persons are identified for rehabilitation.
3. The responsibility for rehabilitating the freed bonded labourers lies with the
respective State Governments. In order to assist the State Government in the task of
rehabilitation of identified and released bonded labourers, a Centrally Sponsored Plan
Scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labour is in operation since May, 1978. Under the
scheme, rehabilitation assistance @ Rs. 20,000/- per bonded labour is provided which is
equally shared by the Central and State Government.
4. A Special Group has been constituted under the Chairpersonship of Secretary (Labour
& Employment) to review and monitor the implementation of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition)
Act, 1976. The Group is holding region-wise meetings from time to time to impress upon the
State Governments to effectively implement the Act.
5. In collaboration with the ILO, the Central Government and State Government of Tamil
Nadu have launched a pilot project in the State for the purpose of reducing vulnerability to
bondage through promotion of decent work. The project is being considered for replication
in the States of Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and Haryana.
