UPSC » UPSC CSE Study Materials » General Awareness » Contemporary Slavery Should Be of Concern in India Today

Contemporary Slavery Should Be of Concern in India Today

In the modern era, slavery is defined as the systematic exploitation of people for one’s own personal or financial gain, such as in slavery. Modern Slavery is widespread, but it is hidden from the public eye. All kinds of jobs, from serving us food to working in factories to becoming nannies or housekeepers, may get individuals into trouble.

What is Modern Slavery?

In legalese, there is no such thing as “modern slavery.” Threats, violence, deception, or abuse of power are just a few examples of situations where someone can’t leave slavery. Enslaved labour, financial bondage, forced marriage, and human trafficking are all examples of modern slavery.

Slavery has taken on a variety of guises throughout history. In certain ways, slavery is still practised today, while it has evolved into new forms in others. According to UN human rights organisations, there is evidence that slavery is built on traditional beliefs and traditions. Slavery in this form may be traced back to society’s most vulnerable groups, such as low-caste individuals, ethnic minorities, and indigenous peoples.

Slavery in India Today: What Are the Consequences?

  • There is nothing conventional or routine about this profession. Controlled persons may be intimidated with violence or threats, forced into debt they can’t pay or even threatened with deportation due to this control. Many people have fallen prey to this suffocating trap to escape poverty or instability, improve their lives, and provide for their families. They are unable to leave at this moment.

  • According to the Walk Free Foundation, 46 million people were enslaved worldwide in 2016. Slavery in the modern era has resulted in the enslavement of millions of Indians (roughly 39% of global enslaved people).

  • Many kinds of modern slavery, including bonded and child labour, are included in the contemporary definition of slavery.

  • India had an estimated 18 million individuals in slavery on any given day last year, according to the 2018 Global Slavery Index. One hundred sixty-seven nations were considered, with India coming in at 53, North Korea taking the top spot, and Japan coming in last. Due to its vast population, India, on the other hand, ranked first in the prevalence of modern-day slavery.

What Does Modern Slavery Include?

Modern Slavery includes the following elements:

  • Traffickers use force, intimidation, or coercion to convey their victims from one area to another, where they may be exploited for various objectives.

  • Human trafficking is made easier by increasing the number of businesses that exploit forced labour and by increased mobility.

  • Human trafficking victims often suffer from depression and anxiety.

  • Women who have been trafficked are forced into prostitution and slavery, violating their fundamental human rights.

What is Involuntary Duty?

Doing something against one’s will for the sake of money is a common practice in today’s society.

According to the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act of 1976, bonded labour occurs when a debtor is forced or partly coerced to work in exchange for cash or kind advances from a creditor.

Forced labour and financial ties are commonplace in India’s economy.

Involuntary labour Slavery in this form is the most common. Consequently, the poor are driven to take out loans, which causes them to lose control over their finances and employment.

The earliest kind of slavery is “descent-based slavery,” which occurs when captivity is passed down via a woman’s maternal line.

When a youngster is utilised for the benefit of another individual, it is a slave. Child soldiers, child abductions, child marriages, and child domestic servitude are only a few examples of abuse.

Is Forcible or Premature Marriage Part of Slavery?

Child marriages are sometimes called “slavery” since the bride and groom are forced to wed against their will and cannot leave.

When one or both partners refuse to be married, a forced union. The consent of a child or a person with a mental disability is invalid. Marrying a minor in India is forbidden until they reach the age of 18.

Conclusion

Several initiatives taken by the government have helped reduce the issue of modern slavery to an extent. Indian law currently makes it a crime to trade in human beings, enslave people, use forced labour, or exploit children sexually. Abduction is the only legal justification for forcing a marriage under California’s Penal Code section 366. Legislation prohibiting the employment of juveniles in armed warfare does not exist at the current time.

Laws governing public procurement in India are scattered throughout the country. However, several procurement regulations, manuals, and procedures used by government organisations and ministries do not explicitly include contemporary slavery.

faq

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the UPSC Examination Preparation.

How prevalent is slavery in India?

Answer: India has an estimated 14 million to 18 million enslaved people, making it the most populous country. Many e...Read full

Do you know what Modern Slavery is at work?

Answer: In modern times, slavery refers to several serious human rights violations unlawful in Australia. Examples o...Read full

What are the forms of contemporary slavery?

Answer: The following are the forms of contemporary slavery: ...Read full

What is India's Modern Slavery Act?

Answer: In the modern world, slavery is both a criminal and a human rights violation. A person’s freedom is ta...Read full