(a)whether the Government has received information/ complaints regarding bonded labourers from various places in the country;
(b)the State/UT-wise number of bonded labourers got freed during the last three years and the details of efforts made for rehabilitating them;
(c)the details of action plan for complete abolition of bonded labour; and
(d)whether any time limit has been fixed for this purpose and if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
(SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)
(a) to (d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
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STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) TO (d) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NUMBER *402 FOR 23.03.2020 BY DR.VIRENDRA KUMAR.
(a) (c) & (d): Bonded Labour System has been abolished by law throughout the country with effect from 25th October, 1975 by promulgation of Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Ordinance on 25th October, 1975. This was later replaced by the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976. As and when existence of bonded labour is detected, such persons are identified for rehabilitation. Under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976 identification, release and rehabilitation of freed bonded labour is the direct responsibility of the concerned States/Union Territories. However, in order to assist the State Governments in the task of rehabilitation of identified and released bonded labour, a Central Sector Scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourer-2016 is in operation since 17.05.2016. As per the Scheme, financial assistance to the tune of Rs. 1.00 (one) lakh, 2 (two) lakhs, 3 (three) lakhs are provided to released bonded labourers based on their category and level of exploitation alongwith other non-cash assistance for their livelihood. The non-cash assistance includes:
1. Allotment of house-site and agricultural land;
2. Land development;
3. Provision of low cost dwelling units;
4. Animal husbandry, diary, poultry, piggery etc.;
5. Wage employment, enforcement of minimum wages etc.;
6. Collection and processing of minor forest products;
7. Supply of essential commodities under targeted public distribution system
8. Education for children
9. Any other Welfare Scheme of State/Central Govt.
(b): The State/UT- wise number of bonded labourers got freed during the last three years is at Annexure. Under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, identification, release and rehabilitation of freed bonded labourer is the direct responsibility of the State Government/Union Territory. The central Government assists the State Governments in the task of rehabilitation of released bonded labourers.