Question

Which of the following conditions are considered as bonded labour under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976?

• A. Pledging labour for loan with no repayment terms
• B. Working as an apprentice for a fixed term
• C. Voluntary work taken up but expecting remuneration and not getting
• D. Remuneration of labour but without getting salary slips

Hint:

The key formula for identifying bonded labour is: {Debt + Forced Labour = Bonded Labour}. Always look for the element of an advance or loan that compels a person to work against their will.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Definition:
The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act of 1976 outlawed bonded labor. This system involves a debtor agreeing with a creditor to work in exchange for a loan, often under exploitative and unclear repayment conditions.
Step 2: Analysis:
Let's examine the following scenarios:

(A) Labour for Loan with Unclear Terms: This is bonded labor. An individual provides labor for a loan, often indefinitely, because repayment terms are absent or unattainable. This aligns with the Act's definition.
(B) Apprenticeship: This is a legally regulated training program under the Apprentices Act, 1961, and does not constitute bonded labor.
(C) Unpaid Voluntary Work: This is a wage dispute, not bonded labor, unless the work is performed to pay off a debt under a bondage agreement.
(D) Unaccounted Salary: This violates employment documentation laws, but is not bonded labor.
Step 3: Conclusion:
Pledging labor to repay a loan, especially without defined terms, is the core definition of bonded labor.