Bonded labor is an illegal practice that compels laborers to provide services to an employer for little or no wages. Though outlawed by the Indian government in 1976 through the Bonded Labor (Abolition) Act, it still flourishes underground. Lack of technological modernization, social inequality, ineffective labor laws, and a demand for low cost labor are some of the factors that fuel bonded labor in India. Capacity building, awareness campaigns, and advocacy with the Public Justice System in project areas of Tamil Nadu, a State in South India, has shown a change in the trend of bonded labor cases. A qualitative analysis of the bonded labor cases encountered from 2006 to 2019 showed that there was a reduction in the bonded labor elements of advance, minimum wages, restriction of freedom of employment, and restriction of freedom of movement. The level of exploitation experienced by the laborers in terms of physical and verbal abuse had reduced considerably. Interviews with field level staff, survivors, non-governmental organizations, and government stakeholders revealed that that these changes were attributed to increased detection of cases, awareness among the labor community, and effective government machinery. The laborers were given better wages and their quality of life had improved. They were able to access rehabilitative services offered by the government and were able to utilize better medical and public services than before. A multi-pronged approach fueled by political will has resulted in effective implementation of labour practices.
Jovitta Xavier is the Head of Monitoring and Evaluation at International Justice Mission Chennai, India. She is a public health professional having more than 20 years of experience in the fields of HIV, TB, nutrition, and more recently human trafficking.
Jaba Prince currently works as a Social Worker at International Justice Mission Chennai, India. He is a developmental professional with over 11 years of experience. He played an important role in the Tsunami Relief work in India. His areas of expertise are Appreciative Inquiry and Community based identification and rehabilitation of bonded laborers.