FORMER BONDED LABOURER ESTABLISHES SCHOOL FOR TRIBAL CHILDREN

Why in the news?

Khemraj Gameti, a rescued bonded labourer, has founded a school for underprivileged tribal children in Rajasthan, providing them with access to education for the first time.

 FORMER BONDED LABOURER ESTABLISHES SCHOOL FOR TRIBAL CHILDREN - UPSCsource:slideshare

About the news:

Bonded Labourer to Advocate for Education:

  • Khemraj Gameti, a former bonded labourer and survivor of human trafficking, has established a community school for underprivileged children in Pachhmata village, Rajsamand district, Rajasthan.
  • The school provides education to children aged 4 to 16 years, who have been deprived of formal schooling.

Harrowing Experience and Rescue:

  • Gameti and his family were forced to work at a brick kiln for four years due to an unpaid debt of ₹40,000. Despite working 18-hour days, they were paid only ₹500 to ₹800 weekly.
  • The family, along with other labourers, was rescued in April 2016 during a raid by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate and police. The State government issued release certificates to the rescued adults and took legal action against the kiln owner.
About Bonded Labour related Legislations:

  • Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act 1976:
  • Applicable nationwide, with implementation by state governments.
  • Establishes Vigilance Committees at the district level to oversee the Act’s enforcement.
  • District Magistrates (DMs) are advised by Vigilance Committees to ensure compliance.
  • State Governments/UTs can empower Executive Magistrates with the authority of Judicial Magistrates for trial of offences under this Act.
  • Central Sector Scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourers (2016):
  • Provides financial assistance of up to ₹3 lakhs to released bonded labourers.
  • Includes additional non-cash support for their livelihood and reintegration into society.

Constitutional Provisions:

  • Article 21:Ensures the Right to Life and Personal Liberty.
  • Article 23:Prohibits forced labour across India.
  • Article 24:Prohibits the employment of children below 14 years in factories and hazardous environments.
  • Article 39:
  • Directs the State to protect the health and strength of workers.
  • Ensures that children are not abused and citizens are not forced into unsuitable occupations due to economic necessity.

About Section 370 Indian Code: Trafficking of Persons

Definition of Trafficking:

  • Trafficking involves recruitment, transportation, harbouring, transfer, or receipt of persons through:
  • Threats, force, or coercion
  • Abduction, fraud, or deception
  • Abuse of power or inducement, including payments or benefits
  • Exploitation includes physical or sexual exploitation, slavery, servitude, or organ removal.
  • Victim’s consent is irrelevant.

Punishments:

  • Basic Trafficking: Rigorous imprisonment of 7 to 10 years, plus a fine.
  • Trafficking of multiple persons: 10 years to life imprisonment, plus a fine.
  • Trafficking of minors: 10 years to life imprisonment, plus a fine.
  • Multiple minors: 14 years to life imprisonment, plus a fine.
  • Repeat offenders (minors): Life imprisonment for the remainder of natural life, plus a fine.
  • Public servants or police officers involved: Life imprisonment for the remainder of natural life, plus a fine.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/dalit-rights-protest-demand-for-abolition-of-bonded-labour/