The report Participatory Statistics to Measure Prevalence in Bonded Labour Hotspots in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar: Findings of the base- and endline study, funded by the Freedom Fund and carried out by the Institute of Development Studies, presents findings from baseline and endline studies conducted between May 2018 and 2019. Utilising participatory statistics, the study aimed to assess the prevalence of bonded labour in selected hotspots through community discussions and surveys. The study faced challenges, including initial reluctance among respondents to discuss loans, which may have affected reporting accuracy.
The main findings of the research indicate that bonded labour remains a significant issue in the studied regions, with variations in prevalence observed between the baseline and endline surveys. Community discussions revealed insights into the factors contributing to bonded labour, including economic pressures and social dynamics. Participants highlighted the need for better support systems for those wishing to escape bonded labour and emphasised the importance of community awareness and preventive measures. Overall, the study underscores the necessity for targeted interventions and ongoing community engagement to effectively combat bonded labour in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Click here or on the image below to access the report.
