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: Understanding the Concept:
The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, was enacted to abolish the practice of bonded labour. The Act defines a 'bonded labour system' as a system where a debtor enters into an agreement with a creditor to render labour or service as a consideration for an advance (debt), often under exploitative and unclear terms.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the conditions:

(A) Pledging labour for loan with no repayment terms: This is the essence of bonded labour. A person is forced to provide labour in exchange for a loan, often for an indefinite period because the terms of repayment are not defined or are designed to be impossible to meet. This falls directly under the Act's definition.
(B) Working as an apprentice for a fixed term: This is a legal and regulated form of training and employment under the Apprentices Act, 1961. It is not bonded labour.
(C) Voluntary work taken up but expecting remuneration and not getting: This is a case of non-payment of wages, which is a labour dispute, but it does not become bonded labour unless the work is being performed to pay off a debt under a bondage agreement.
(D) Remuneration of labour but without getting salary slips: This is a violation of employment laws regarding proper documentation and record-keeping, but it is not bonded labour.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The condition of pledging one's labour to repay a loan, especially with no clear repayment terms, is the classic definition of bonded labour.