No Protection for Informal Labourers

In 1976, the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act was passed to abolish bonded labour and provide protections to these vulnerable workers. However, a provision in this Act that makes no sense is Section 18, which states that anyone found guilty of using or aiding bonded labour shall be punishable with imprisonment not less than three years but which can extend to five years and also be liable to fine not exceeding one thousand rupees. What's even more ridiculous is that this maximum fine is still applicable in 2025! This is laughable considering the cost of living and inflation over the past four decades. Can you even afford to pay a fine of Rs 1000 for keeping someone in bonded labour? This provision needs to be revised and increased in sync with the rising cost of living to make it an effective deterrent for bonded labour practices.