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In previous comments the Committee noted that section 28 of the National Service Act, 1977 provides that persons between the ages of 18 and 21 years, among others, are required to perform service with the National Service. Section 29 provides that in such services, National Servicemen shall be given and shall undertake such training and employment in the National Service and perform such duties as may be prescribed by the Authority or by the officers placed in command over them and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing shall, where possible, be engaged in development projects and self-help projects including housing, school construction, agriculture and road building. Section 35(2) provides for a penalty, including fine and imprisonment, for persons who, being liable under this Act, fail without reasonable excuse to present themselves to serve when called upon to do so.

The Committee notes the Government's indication in its latest report that none of the sections of the National Service Act, 1977, have been amended and that the Act is still on the Statute Books. The Committee requests the Government to indicate any steps taken or contemplated with regard to the above-mentioned provisions to ensure the observance of Convention No. 29 as well as of Article 1(b) of Convention No. 105. In this connection the Government may wish to refer to the explanations provided in paragraphs 49 to 62 of the Committee's 1979 General Survey on the Abolition of Forced Labour.