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National Convention on Bonded Labour
National Convention on Bonded Labour
9-11 March, 2007
Desh Bhagat Yadgar Hall, Jalandhar,
Although the system of bonded labour stands legally abolished by enactment of Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act 1976, but it still shamefully persists in a wide range of sectors drawing sustenance from the oppressive caste system, social orthodoxy, illiteracy and the economic backwardness of the people. The official accounts for the incidence of bonded labour don’t quite reveal the magnitude of the problem, but independent surveys by reputed agencies place the total number of people mired in different forms of bonded labour at tens of millions.
The National Human Rights Commision (NHRC), which has been directed by the Supreme Court to monitor the overall implementation of BLSAA 1976, has identified 190 districts in 17 states as bonded labour prone areas. It has clearly observed that most of the state governments tend to ignore or refuse the existence of Bonded Labour in their states although gory incidents of poor people being trapped into bondage are reported regularly in the media. Because of indifferent attitude of the state, elimination of this social stigma from the society still remains an uphill challenge and requires immediate attention.
In this context, the proposed “National Convention on Bonded Labour” seeks to bring the issue of Labour Bondage in the National agenda by highlighting the current trends, problems faced and continuing prevalence of this social stigma in the society.
Objectives:-
- To highlight the emerging forms of Labour Bondage in present context.
- To critically look into the BLSA Act of 1976 and Enforcement of the Act.
- To seek recommitment on BL by the State and political parties.
Issues that will be discussed:-
· Current Situation of Bonded Labour in
· Critically analysis of the Bonded Labour System Act 1976.
· Problems with the enforcement of the law.
· Joint action plan to effectively address the issue of Labour Bondage.
Expected Outcome:-
- Better understanding on the current situation of Bonded Labour.
- Recognition and commitment by the state agencies and political parties.
- Media sensitization on the issue of Labour Bondage.
- Better understanding on the strength of the Act (definition) and propose alternatives in law as well for the enforcement structure.
-:Organisers:-
Centre for Education and Communication (CEC),
Dalit Dasta Virodhi Andolan (DDVA)
Jan Jagriti Kendra (JJK), Chhattisgarh
Jeeta Vimukti (JEEVIKA), Karnataka
Participants:-
Representatives from NGO’s, Dalit and Adivasi organizations, Administration, Academicians, trade unions, advocates, vigilance committees and released bonded labourers.
How to reach the venue:-
Kindly get down at Jalandhar city Railway Station from where the venue (Desh Bhagat Yadgar Hall) is approximately 2 Kms. Local conveyance to the venue is easily available from the railway station. Kindly reach the venue reception from where you will be given details about your accommodation along with other information.
Local Contacts (Jalandhar):-
Walky Talky Set 92572-25197
Pawan Kumar 98157-14108
Jai Singh 98145-31733
Sunita 92167-12490
Toshi 92167-12496
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