Topic: mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
Q2. Discuss why bonded labour persists in India despite a comprehensive legal framework. Evaluate the major bottlenecks in detection and prosecution. Also suggest measures to resolve the problem in a time-bound manner. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question
Bonded labour continues despite constitutional prohibition and a dedicated law, revealing deep governance and enforcement gaps. Its changing forms through informal labour markets and migrant vulnerability.
Key Demand of the question
Explain the reasons for persistence despite the legal framework. Evaluate bottlenecks in detection and prosecution. Suggest time-bound measures to resolve the problem.
Structure of the Answer
Introduction
Start by linking bonded labour to violation of dignity and constitutional rights, showing it as a governance failure.Body
- Persistence: Briefly cover structural poverty, debt traps, informality, caste vulnerability and weak rehabilitation.
- Bottlenecks: Mention under-reporting, weak identification, poor investigation, missing legal provisions and trial delays.
- Time-bound measures: Suggest fast-track courts, case-tracking, strict timelines, convergence at district level and stronger migrant protection mechanisms.
Conclusion
Close with the idea that abolition requires a single pipeline from identification to rehabilitation, with accountability and measurable outcomes.
