India’s economy, one of the fastest-growing in the world, has a dark side that often goes unnoticed — the prevalence of bonded labour. On May 1, International Labour Day, the world celebrates the dignity of work and workers’ rights, but for millions of people in India, this day serves as a grim reminder of their exploitation and suffering.
One such story is that of Mukesh Adivasi, a 35-year-old man from Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh. In 2023, Mukesh and his family were promised work in Indore and lured 1,400 kilometres away to Karnataka, only to be trapped as bonded labourers on a sugarcane farm. The initial promise of a ₹500 advance seemed like a lifeline to Mukesh, but it quickly turned into a nightmare of brutal violence, gruelling work hours, and inhumane living conditions.
Mukesh now lies on a simple charpoy, his body weakened and spirit broken. The physical toll of his labour is evident in his painful limp and profound exhaustion. “I blame my greed,” Mukesh reflects, as he remembers the false promise that led him and his family into this cycle of exploitation. The journey to Karnataka was not just long, but also harrowing, with cramped trucks and deplorable conditions making it a nightmare for the already vulnerable family.
Once they arrived at the farm, Mukesh and his family were forced to work for 14 to 16 hours a day, with little to no rest or respite. The toll on their bodies and minds was immense, as they toiled under the scorching sun, with no end in sight to their suffering.
Mukesh’s story is not unique in India, where bonded labour continues to thrive in various industries, from agriculture to construction. Despite laws against bonded labour, enforcement remains lax and perpetrators often go unpunished, leaving millions of vulnerable people at the mercy of unscrupulous employers.
As the world celebrates International Labour Day, it is important to remember the millions of people like Mukesh who continue to suffer in silence, trapped in a cycle of exploitation and abuse. Their stories serve as a reminder of the urgent need for greater awareness, enforcement of labour laws, and protection of the most vulnerable in society. Only then can India truly live up to its promise of being a thriving economy that respects the dignity of all its workers.
