New Delhi, Dec 4 (IANS) Enacting one law after the other will not eradicate bonded labour if there is no political will for it, National Human Rights Commission member Justice B.C. Patel said.
Pointing out that there are no vigilance committees to check bonded labour in many places, Patel said the district administration is lax when it comes to addressing the issue.

“There is a growing tendency amongst the district level administrators not to give due priority to abolishing the bonded labour system. This has been resulting in frustration of the poor and many children are deprived of precious moments of their childhood because their parents are bonded labourers,” Patel said.

“Enactment of laws is not enough to stop bonded labour. The bureaucracy needs to be familiarised with the provisions of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act so that correct application of the law can be done and needless delays avoided,” he added.

“A committed political leadership, particularly at the district level, is required to eradicate bonded labour,” Patel further said.

Vigilance committees at the grassroot level and regular inspections will go a long way in eradicating the problem, he opined.