Monetary help under bonded labour scheme goes up by 5 times

Showing a renewed sense of urgency to tackle bonded labour, the government has raised financial assistance under the Rehabilitation of Bonded Labour Scheme by five times, Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya today said.
Speaking at an International Labour Organisation (ILO) session in Geneva, the minister said the assistance is higher for the most deprived and marginalised, women and minors.
"With a renewed commitment for eradication of bonded labour, we have escalated our Rehabilitation of Bonded Labour Scheme by increasing the quantum of financial assistance by five times from Rs 20,000 to a minimum Rs 1 lakh," the Labour Ministry quoted the minister as saying.

This financial benefit for the most deprived will remain in an annuity account, ensuring a monthly earning that will flow to the beneficiary account for his/her comfortable living.
"Further, the revised scheme aims to address new forms of bondage such as organised begging rings, forced prostitution and child labour for which females, the disabled and transgenders are mercilessly used by powerful elements," Dattatreya said.
The government is also strengthening the National Child Labour Protection (NCLP) project through appropriate coordination with states and increased budgetary support.
"The productive relationship between India and ILO is as old as ILO. I take this opportunity to convey the appreciation of the government of India for this unique tripartite forum which has been working towards its founding mission that social justice is essential to universal and lasting peace," he said.