2,216 bonded labourers rescued in UP last fiscal, Govt tells House

According to the statement, no bonded labourers rescued and rehabilitated during the current financial year. In 2014-15, 853 bonded labourers were rescued and rehabilitated in the Chhattisgarh. Similarly, in 2013-14, 1,800 bonded labourers were released and rehabilitated in Uttar Pradesh while the number of such workers was 150 in Rajasthan and 28 in Odisha.

The Bonded Labour System has been abolished by law throughout the country with effect from October 25, 1975 under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Ordinance which was replaced by the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976. The minister said that instances of prevalence of bonded labour system are noticed now and then even after its abolition.

 In order to assist the states to rehabilitate the identified and released bonded labourers, a Centrally Sponsored Plan Scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labour is in operation since May, 1978.