Myth 1: Bonded labour is a thing of the past.

Fact: Bonded labour continues to exist today, affecting millions globally, especially in countries like India. Despite its abolition under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, it thrives as a hidden crime in various sectors like agriculture, brick kilns, textiles, and construction.

Myth 2: Bonded labour is just a social issue.

Fact: Bonded labour is not just a social issue but a serious punishable crime. Under Indian law, it is illegal to force someone to work under conditions of bondage, regardless of the amount of debt owed. Authorities can arrest and prosecute employers who practice bonded labour.

Myth 3: If someone has taken a debt, they are bound to be a slave until it’s paid back.

Fact: Debt does not legally bind anyone to forced labour. The law protects individuals from being enslaved due to debt. No employer can hold a worker in bondage or prevent them from working elsewhere to repay the debt.

Myth 4: An employer has the right to restrict your movement or force you to live in distressing conditions because of the debt you owe.

Fact: Employers do not have the legal right to control a worker’s movement or living conditions, even if an advance has been taken. Any restriction of movement or forced conditions violates human rights and is criminal under Indian law.

Myth 5: You are not entitled to minimum wage because you have taken an advance.

Fact: Even if a worker has taken an advance, they are still entitled to receive at least the minimum wage set by the government. Advances cannot be used as a pretext to deny workers their lawful pay.

Myth 6: You cannot work elsewhere to pay off the debt taken from your current employer.

Fact: Workers are free to seek employment elsewhere, even if they owe a debt. No employer has the legal right to force someone to continue working for them until a debt is repaid.