000			01638nam a2200181Ia 4500
999			_c28862 _d28862
005			20220502173102.0
008			200202s9999 xx 000 0 und d
082			_a331.54 Lal
100			_aLal, A. K.
245		0	_aPolitics of poverty
260			_aNew Delhi
260			_bChetana Pub.
260			_c1977
300			_a107 p.
520			_aBonded labour is an unfortunate and painful relic of our feudal past. Although feudalism itself was destroyed, first with the abolition of landlordship and, second, with the elimination of the princely order, bonded labour existed in many forms in different parts of India including Bihar. Bonded labour forms part of a system. In olden days it was functional to the village economy and to the norms and values of the then society. From time to time, attempts have been made to abolish this system in the various parts of the country but it has not been possible to completely eradicate this anachronism in our democratic and egalitarian society. Dr Lal's study shows the deep roots of the system in the socio-economic order of the village. The bonded labourer is invariably an indigent and illiterate person belonging, by and large, to the scheduled castes. He is not only subject to economic exploitation of the worst degree but also to social degradation. The system is such that neither he nor his children have ever any opportunity to shake off the shackles of serfdom. There is absolutely no chance for self-improvement or for acquisition of knowledge or skills which might provide him alternative employment in case he likes to flee.
650			_aEconomics
942			_cB _2ddc