TheChukri system is adebt bondage orforced labour system found inKidderpore and other parts ofWest Bengal. Under this system, a woman can be coerced intoprostitution in order to pay off debts.[1][2] She generally works without pay for one year or longer in order to repay a supposed debt to thebrothel owner for food, clothes, make-up, and living expenses.[3]
The system creates a workforce of people virtually enslaved to their creditors, and constitutes one of the primary causes for women entering the sex trade. The system flourishes primarily inWest Bengal orCalcutta. The name is used also inBangladesh and the system also exists there.[2][3]
