REHABILITATION OF 1058 BONDED LABOURERS DURING THE YEAR 2002-03

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During the current financial year 2002-03, Rs. 54.00 lakh have been provided for conducting survey in 27 districts. Besides, a sum of Rs. 103.81 lakh have been provided to the various State Governments for rehabilitation of 1058 bonded labourers during the year 2002-03.

In order to assist the State Governments in their task of rehabilitation of released bonded labourers, the Ministry of Labour has been implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme since May, 1978 for rehabilitation of bonded labourers. Under this scheme rehabilitation assistance of Rs. 20,000/- per freed bonded labour is provided, which is shared by the Central and State Governments on 50:50 basis; in the case of the Seven North-eastern States. 100% central assistance is provided. Under the scheme, Central grants are also provided to the State Governments for conducting district wise survey of bonded labour, awareness generation and evaluatory studies.