In response to Unstarred Question No. 388 regarding the elimination of bonded labor, Minister of State for Labour and Employment (Sushri Shobha Karandlaje) stated that the Bonded Labour System has been abolished by the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976. Identification, release, and rehabilitation of freed bonded labor is the responsibility of States/Union Territories.
The Ministry of Labour & Employment is implementing a Central Sector Scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourer-2021, effective from 27.01.2022. This is a demand-driven scheme where funds are provided to States/UTs upon receipt of proposals.
The Government has reviewed the implementation of the Central Scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourer in the country by conducting impact assessment carried out by V.V Giri National Labour Institute which includes critical areas such as simplification of procedure, immediate financial assistance, pendency of cases, rehabilitation assistance etc.
Key Entities Referenced
Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976: Key legislation that abolished the Bonded Labour System.
Ministry of Labour & Employment: The ministry responsible for implementing schemes for rehabilitation of bonded laborers.
Central Scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourer: A central scheme for the rehabilitation of bonded laborers, providing funds to States/UTs.
States/Union Territories: Locations where the Central Scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourer is being implemented and responsible for identification, release, and rehabilitation.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 388
TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.02.2026
ELIMINATION OF BONDED LABOUR
†388. SHRI MANSUKHBHAI DHANJIBHAI VASAVA:
Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to
state:
(a)whether the Government is facing several challenges in
eradication of bonded labour in the country;
(b)if so, the details thereof;
(c)whether the Government has reviewed the implementation of the
Central Scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourer in certain
States; and
(d)if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
(SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE)
(a) to (d): The Bonded Labour System has been abolished by the
Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976. 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.
Besides, the Ministry of Labour & Employment has also
been implementing a Central Sector Scheme for Rehabilitation of
Bonded Labourer-2021 w.e.f 27.01.2022. This scheme is demand
driven where funds are provided to States/UTs on receipt of proposal
from them.
The Government has reviewed the implementation of the
Central Scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourer in the country
by conducting impact assessment carried out by V.V Giri National
Labour Institute which includes critical areas such as simplification
of procedure, immediate financial assistance, pendency of cases,
rehabilitation assistance etc.
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