Evaluation of Interventions to Eradicate Bonded Labour and the Socio‐Economic Impact in Uttar Pradesh

Aims & Objectives: The project examined whether bonded labour had been eradicated in select villages in three Panchayats of Bhadohi, Uttar Pardesh. An intervention aimed at the issue was implemented in Bhadohi, by a local NGO, Manav Sansadhan Evam Mahila Vikash Sansthan (MSEMVS) which has been working in the area for several years. The region is known for its woven carpets and brick kilns, apart from agricultural produce. Given the prevalent economic inequalities, adults here were prone to be exploited. The MSEMVS began generating awareness among the local population to ensure their freedom and dignity, helped release people from bondage and trafficking, trained women in income‐generating activities and assisted the men in initiating alternative occupations.

Methodology: The project comprised:

• A structured survey (quantitative and qualitative) covering 850 households in the intervention areas and an additional village for a control group;
• The sample for the baseline included three cohorts: a) where the MSEMVS intervened and reported complete eradication; b) where there was intervention but no eradication and c) where there was no intervention of the organisation;
• The qualitative survey included interviews with key informants, focus group discussions and some qualitative interviews with selected respondents; 

Findings & Recommendation:

• The data and qualitative translated reports were provided to our collaborators at FXB Centre of Public Health, Harvard University;
• A report titled ‘Troubles we have to face: The Challenge of Eradicating Labour Exploitation—An Evaluation of a Community Empowerment Intervention in Uttar Pradesh, India’ was also published.