Campaign launched to raise awareness on bonded labour system

The campaign, 'Bandhua 1947', seeks to urge the government to strengthen the Bonded Labour Abolition Act through amendments.

"Bringing issues to the forefront of public consciousness and spreading awareness about the plight of bonded labourers are essential steps towards the successful realisation of the campaign objectives," said Saju Mathew, director of operations of International Justice Mission South Asia, which is partnering the campaign.

The other partners in the campaign are Action Aid India, Adivasi Solidarity Council, Jeevika and Justice Ventures International.

Government figure states that 86.6 per cent of bonded labourers come from SC and ST community which make up 24.4 per cent of the country's population.

Executive director of Action Aid India, Sandeep Chachra, maintained that despite the Act, there still remain pockets in different states where this practice continues.

He said new forms of bonded labour were being seen in market-driven economy especially within the feudal, caste and identity-based fabric of India.