Labour Ministry proposes Rs 3 lakh aid for bonded labourers

In a bid to improve rehabilitation of bonded labourers, the government has proposed to increase the assistance provide under its scheme to a maximum of Rs 3 lakh from existing Rs 20,000.

A draft notification by the Labour Ministry in this regard also proposes the scheme to be centrally administered. At present, Centre and the states equally share the financial burden.

"It is draft modified scheme for rehabilitation of bonded labour in the country with new guidelines. We will take a final call on it," Labour Secretary Shankar Aggarwal told PTI.

It is proposed that in case of a disabled person the aid will be Rs 3 lakh, out of which Rs 2 lakh has to be deposited in any annuity scheme and the remaining will be transferred to the beneficiary through electronic clearance system (ECS).

The financial assistance for beneficiaries (men) under the proposed norms will be increased to Rs 1 lakh from Rs 20,000.

For special category beneficiaries such as young children including orphans, girl child rescued form beggar rings and forced prostitution, the rehabilitation amount shall be Rs 2 lakh, out of which Rs 1.25 lakh shall be deposited in annuity scheme, and the remaining amount will be transferred to the beneficiary's account through ECS.

The new norms provide for Rs 4.5 lakh assistance for survey of bonded labourers as per sensitive district.

The scheme also says that the state governments shall not match Centre's contribution. However, the states should concentrate on other areas like providing safe and secure environment for capacity building of child bonded labourers.

A state should also provide facilities for their proper education, like short stay home till (they) educate up to class 12th, the draft notification mandates.

It also proposes that the skill development shall be an integral component of rehabilitation package for these children.

According to the draft, for addressing the need of female freed bonder labourers, states should provide assistance for their marriage, apart from other capacity building measures.