Central Sector Scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourer (CRBL)

The Maharashtra government has released a compensation of ₹86 lakh to 39 people rescued from bonded labour in Ahilya Nagar (previously Ahmednagar) in 2023.

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The Maharashtra government has released a compensation of ₹86 lakh to 39 people rescued from bonded labour in Ahilya Nagar (previously Ahmednagar) in 2023.

The Central Sector Scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourer (CRBL) is a flagship initiative by the Government of India, aimed at eradicating bonded labour and supporting rehabilitating rescued individuals. This scheme, under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, was first launched in 1978 and has undergone multiple revisions to enhance its effectiveness in addressing modern challenges.

Objectives and Implementation

The scheme’s primary goal is to provide financial assistance and non-cash support to rehabilitate bonded laborers, ensuring their reintegration into society. The funding is directly released by the Ministry to District National Child Labour Project Societies and District Project Societies, with state governments being responsible for establishing District Bonded Labour Rehabilitation Funds. Each district must allocate a minimum of ₹10 lakh for immediate relief.

Key Components

Financial Assistance:
- ₹1,00,000 for adult males.
- ₹2,00,000 for vulnerable groups, including women and children.
- ₹3,00,000 for extreme cases, such as victims of sexual exploitation or trafficking.
Non-Cash Support:
- Housing: Provision of house-site allotments and low-cost housing.
- Livelihood Support: Assistance for land development, animal husbandry, and wage employment.
- Education: Access to quality education for children of rescued laborers.
- Essentials: Availability of subsidized essential commodities through public distribution systems.

Impact and Relevance

The CRBL is a critical instrument in addressing the systemic issue of bonded labor in India, promoting socio-economic equality and ensuring justice for marginalized communities. The ₹86 lakh compensation recently released by the Maharashtra government to 39 rescued laborers in Ahilya Nagar highlights the scheme’s real-world implications in empowering survivors.