What are the structural factors responsible for the persistence of bonded labour in India? Examine how informal labour markets facilitate this. Suggest institutional reforms for its eradication.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues,
Topic: Population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues,
Q2. What are the structural factors responsible for the persistence of bonded labour in India? Examine how informal labour markets facilitate this. Suggest institutional reforms for its eradication. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Easy
Reference: TH
Why the question Prevalence of bonded labour highlights the systemic failure of labour governance and growing informalisation despite legal abolition, making it a pressing social issue in India. Key Demand of the question To analyse the deep-rooted structural causes behind the persistence of bonded labour, assess the role of informal labour markets in sustaining it, and propose institutional-level reforms for its complete eradication. Structure of the Answer: Introduction Mention India’s legal abolition of bonded labour in 1976 and contrast it with continued large-scale exploitation. Body Identify caste, debt, illiteracy, and weak rural employment as structural enablers of bondage. Explain how informal labour markets—unregulated, opaque and decentralised—enable coercion and abuse. Propose institutional reforms including better worker identification, enforcement, digital tracking, and integrated rehabilitation. Conclusion Suggest a rights-based, decentralised model that restores labour dignity and ends systemic exploitation.
Why the question Prevalence of bonded labour highlights the systemic failure of labour governance and growing informalisation despite legal abolition, making it a pressing social issue in India.
Key Demand of the question To analyse the deep-rooted structural causes behind the persistence of bonded labour, assess the role of informal labour markets in sustaining it, and propose institutional-level reforms for its complete eradication.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction Mention India’s legal abolition of bonded labour in 1976 and contrast it with continued large-scale exploitation.
• Identify caste, debt, illiteracy, and weak rural employment as structural enablers of bondage.
• Explain how informal labour markets—unregulated, opaque and decentralised—enable coercion and abuse.
• Propose institutional reforms including better worker identification, enforcement, digital tracking, and integrated rehabilitation.
Conclusion Suggest a rights-based, decentralised model that restores labour dignity and ends systemic exploitation.