Bernard Allen
Question:143 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will approach the Indian Government in order to urge them to outlaw debt bondage.
Written Answers. - Debt Bondage in India.
I am aware of reports that the practice of debt bondage continues in India. Ireland believes that all countries should uphold and promote international human rights standards through the implementation of relevant legislation.
In India, the Contract Labour Act 1970, the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act of 1976, and the Inter-State Migrant Workers Act 1979 are intended to protect workers in India against bonded labour. The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act lays down provisions regarding the prohibition of any form of bonded labour, release of all bonded labourers and extinguishment of all bonded debts. It also establishes government machinery for the release and rehabilitation of the bonded labourers.