NEWS – KARNATAKA HAS LAUNCHED NEW INITIATIVE FOR BONDED LABOURS

HIGHLIGHTS

• 52 officials appointed as ‘Bonded Labour Prohibition Officers’ in Karnataka
• Responsibilities:
  • Combat bonded labour practices.
  • Collect evidence for prosecuting offenders.
  • Raise awareness among citizens and businesses about the issue.

Understanding Bonded Labour

• Definition: Bonded labour involves individuals working to repay debts, often under coercive conditions and without pay.
• Legal Consequences: Offenders face up to three years of imprisonment.

Statistics and Rehabilitation Efforts

• Bonded Labour Cases (2016-2024):
  • 2,631 cases reported in Karnataka.
  • 4,397 freed bonded labourers received pensions.
• Financial Support for Freed Labourers:
  • Monthly allowance: Rs 2,000 (increased from Rs 1,000).
  • Rehabilitation scheme:
    • Freed male labourers: Rs 1 lakh.
    • Freed female labourers/children: Rs 2 lakh.
    • For severe exploitation: Rs 3 lakh (released after court verdicts).

Affected Districts

• High Incidence Areas: Bengaluru Urban, Chikkaballapur, Hassan, Mandya, Mysuru, Chikmagalur, Belagavi, Bagalkot, Ramanagara, Kolar, Tumakuru.
• Common Industries Involved:
  • Agriculture (sericulture)
  • Construction
  • Borewell digging
  • Small industries (textiles, sawmills)
  • Hotels, stone quarries, meat processing, brick kilns.
• Demographics: Most bonded labourers are migrant workers.

Chief Minister’s Commitment

• Budget Promise: The appointment of prohibition officers was part of the 2024-25 budget aimed at eradicating bonded labour.

Composition of Prohibition Officers

• Diverse Backgrounds: The officers include deputy commissioners and personnel from various departments (police, education, labour, social welfare, agriculture, rural development, and panchayat raj).