FROM PERPETRATORS TO PROTECTORS : ANALYSIS OF TRIBAL MARGINALIZATION THROUGH BONDED LABOUR.

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the social exclusion and inclusion dynamics experienced by marginalized groups, particularly focusing on their victimization and vulnerability. The research targets bonded laborers within tribal communities, specifically the Toda, Irulas, Narikuravas, and Kuravas, followed by scheduled tribes and castes. While the common perception of bonded labor often associates it with prolonged working hours, incorrect, irregular, or absent wages, etc., even after the amendment of the Bonded Labor System (Abolition) Act 1976, many marginalized groups are still being used as forced laborers and bonded laborers due to the absence of proper land reform acts, such as the Zamindari Abolition and Land Reform Act 1950. Due to the elder man of the family who might have taken a loan from the landlords not paying it back, they are also being used as bonded laborers. According to past recorded cases, most of the bonded laborers were rescued from brick kilns, rice mills, and small-scale industries. Tribal marginalized groups face significant social exclusion, being marginalized economically, socially, politically, and culturally. Our motive is to convey how the people of marginalized groups (tribal) use magic as a tool for them to exercise power as a mechanism to reinforce societal norms and values to attain a process of social inclusion. The study adopts a mixed methods approach utilizing both quantitative and qualitative research methods such as focus group discussions (FGDs) to analyze the multifaceted challenges faced by tribal communities. The findings aim to corroborate the issues raised in this study.