(a)the number of bonded labourers currently exist in the country;
(b)the number of bonded labourers freed in the country, age, gender and district-wise;
(c)the number of bonded labourers who got benefits under the revised Central Sector Scheme 2016 and the details of the total amount disbursed; and
(d)the number of districts which have set up vigilance committee under the Labour Act?
MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
(SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)
(a) & (b): The Bonded Labour System has been abolished by law throughout the country with effect from 25th October, 1975 by 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. According to the reports received from the State Governments, till date 3,13,687 bonded labourers have been identified and released.
(c): Under Central Sector Scheme for rehabilitation of bonded labourer – 2016, 11,296 bonded labourers got benefit and an amount of Rs.1178.70/- Lakhs has been disbursed.
(d): Under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, State Governments have been mandated to constitute Vigilance Committees at District and Sub-divisional level. The Vigilance Committee, inter-alia, advises the District Magistrate to ensure that the provision of the Act and Rules made thereunder are implemented properly.
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