Debt Bondage Slavery in Contemporary India: Sociopolitical Factors and Possibilities of Change

Debt bondage slavery in India has been moderately researched in recent years, yet much of the data has not been aggregated. This paper aims to assemble historical and contemporary research on the practice of debt bondage as well as factors that may be considered conducive to the continued practice of debt bondage slavery, such as caste-based inequality, land distribution, and political corruption. The efficacy of factors that may be considered deterrents from debt bondage will also be examined, such as democracy, antislavery laws, and the work of non-governmental organizations. Recommendations will be made to eradicate caste discrimination and for the Government of India to revise its budget expenditures to increase funding for social programs and meet the human rights standards of all citizens, including bonded laborers.