The data relating to bonded labourers is not maintained sex-wise. According to the reports received from the State Governments, the number of bonded labourers identified, released and rehabilitated under the Centrally Sponsored Plan Scheme is as under:-

                The Supreme Court has directed that the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) should be involved in dealing with the issue of bonded labour. The court has also issued directions from time to time for compliance by the state governments regarding identification, release and rehabilitation of bonded labourers. In pursuance of the direction of the Supreme Court, NHRC is monitoring and reviewing the efforts made by the state governments towards implementing the provisions of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, through regular interaction with the concerned authorities. NHRC also conducts familiarization-cum-sensitization workshops on the elimination of bonded labour and child labour at the state level.

The Constitution of India under Article 23(1) prohibits ‘begar’ and other similar forms of forced labour. The bonded labour system was abolished by law throughout the country w.e.f. from 25^th October, 1975 under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Ordinance which was replaced by Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976. It extends to the whole of India. As per the Act, no person is allowed to make an advance under or in pursuance of the bonded labour system and no one can compel any person to render any bonded labour or other form of forced labour.

                No checks have been imposed on the funds sanctioned for utilization of identifying bonded and child labour.        

                This information was given by the Minister of Labour and Employment Shri   Mallikarjun Kharge  in reply to a written question in the Lok Sabha today.

ST/BS