Chennai: In a collaborative survey conducted by the faculty of Loyola College and International Justice Mission on the socio-economic conditions of bonded labourers, it was found that a total of 87% of them had faced abuse in bondage, while a 65% faced gender or caste related discrimination.
The survey unearths shocking facts about the living conditions of labour, stressing on the poor implementation of Bonded Labour System (abolition) act, 1976.
Calling for a better implementation of the Act in regard to providing rehabilitation, Mathew Joji, Spokesperson, IJM, said: “Many rescued labourers are still awaiting rehabilitation; while some are willing to get back to the profession – having failed to earn money. Bonded labour, which has taken a different shape, now can be eradicated through a state level action plan and a separate nodal officer. The tribal welfare department and Revenue department which rescue and rehabilitate labourers are also in-charge of many issues,”
Stressing on the need to empower the labourers, Dr. Gladston Xavier, head of the department of social work, Loyola College said that the compensation amount for the community is inadequate. It could be noted that in the recent amendment in bonded labour rehabilitation scheme, the compensation amount is Rs 1 lakh for male, 2 lakhs for female and children and 3 lakhs for transgenders.
“The compensation amount is inadequate. They need to be given land and provided skill development training and resources to eliminate poverty, so that they would not get back to vicious circle,” Dr Gladston stated.
It was also learnt that none of the states in India followed the 2012 Supreme Court’s order – where states were asked to complete a survey on the lives of bonded labourers.
“Lack of awareness and inability of access are the main issues. 84% of them are either illiterate or educated below primary school. Abuse in all kinds – sexual, verbal and physical,” Gladston added.
Did their lives change after rescue?
The study conducted by Loyola College and International Justice mission on 208 rescued bonded laborers from 4 districts Of Tami Nadu - Tiruvannamalai, Tiruvallur, Vellore and Kancheepuram states that only 42% of the labourers were provided housing by the government; while 39 % have constructed houses by themselves. Only 15 % of them were provided shelter by a third party (philanthropists and NGOs). As many as 51 % of the members stated that the medical facility was far from their house - taking more than one hour of travel. Over 92 % had received no skill training - prompting them to take loans and indulge in labour again.
