Is the Debt Crisis a Human Rights Issue?

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Is the Debt Crisis a Human Rights Issue?

Did You Know: “India’s personal & MSME debt is a growing concern: ₹30 trillion in personal debt and a staggering ₹70 trillion in MSME debt”.

When we think of Human Rights Day, our minds often drift to global headlines about freedom of speech, the right to vote, or protection from conflict. But there is a silent battle being fought inside millions of homes across India right now. It is a battle that feels just as suffocating as any prison: the battle against unmanageable debt.

If you are reading this and your heart races every time your phone rings, or if you feel a constant, heavy knot in your stomach about next month’s EMI, this conversation is for you. Today, let’s ask a question that doesn’t get asked enough: Is the debt crisis actually a human rights crisis?

The Weight on Your Shoulders

Financial stress is not just about math; it is deeply emotional. It is the sleepless nights staring at the ceiling, wondering how you will pay for your child’s school fees. It is the fear that grips you when you hear a knock on the door. When you are deep in debt, it feels like you have lost the freedom to live.

Many people feel that because they borrowed money, they have somehow signed away their right to dignity. You might tell yourself, “I took the loan, so I deserve this stress.” But that is simply not true. Owing money is a civil matter; it does not make you a criminal, and it certainly does not strip you of your human rights.

The reality is that the debt crisis is a human rights crisis because it threatens the basics of life: food, shelter, health, and mental peace. When debt collectors cross the line from reminding you to harassing you, they are violating your fundamental right to live with dignity.

Is India in a Debt Crisis?

You are not alone in this. Is India in a debt crisis? For many, the answer is a resounding YES. Post-pandemic inflation, medical emergencies, and the easy availability of instant loan apps, BNPL, credit cards have created a trap for the unsuspecting. In India, the fear of “what will people say” keeps many from asking for help. This isolation makes the crisis feel much bigger than it is.

But even if you have defaulted, you have rights. The RBI and Supreme Court have clear guidelines: recovery agents cannot threaten you, call at odd hours, or abuse you. 

Recovery agents must strictly follow this code of conduct:

  • Fixed Timings: They can only call you between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
  • No Harassment: They cannot use abusive language, threaten physical harm, or humiliate you in public.
  • Privacy Protection: They strictly cannot harass your family members, friends, or colleagues.
  • Identification: Every agent must carry a valid ID card and an authorization letter from the bank.

When they cross these lines, they are violating the law. That is when we need to talk about debt solution strategies that prioritize your safety.

How SingleDebt Restores Your Peace

Trying to fight banks and recovery agents alone is exhausting. You need a shield, someone who knows the rules better than the collectors do. At SingleDebt, we don’t just look at spreadsheets; we look at the human behind the debt.

Here is how we help you regain control:

  • Debt Management Plan (DMP): We consolidate your multiple unsecured debts into one single, affordable monthly payment plan based on what you can actually afford, not what the creditor demands.
  • Protection from Harassment: Our paralegal team acts as a firewall. We redirect calls to us so you don’t have to deal with abusive recovery agents.
  • Legal Support: Our in-house advocates handle legal notices, arbitration, and bounced cheque matters, ensuring you are legally protected at every step.
  • Financial Counseling: We provide expert budgeting advice to help you manage your household expenses while paying off your debt and improving credit score.

A Future Without Fear

On this Human Rights Day, make a promise to yourself: You will not let debt define your worth. You are a parent, a sibling, a friend, and a hard worker. You are more than your credit score.

If you are drowning, reach out. There is no shame in asking for a lifeline. That is why at SingleDebt, we start with a free financial & mental health counselling session. We listen to your story without judgment and help you understand your options before you commit to anything. The clouds of financial stress will clear, and you will sleep peacefully again.

You have the right to a life free from fear. Let’s claim that right today.

No. We do not offer new loans to pay off old ones. Instead, we restructure your existing debt so you can pay it off with your own income, but at a rate that doesn’t leave you broke.

Harassment often decreases significantly once we step in because we take over the communication. While it may take a little time for every agent to get the message, you can simply direct them to us, and our legal team will handle the rest.

Initially, your score may be impacted because you are restructuring payments. However, as you stabilize your finances and clear debts, we help you rebuild your score over time. The priority right now is your financial survival.

Absolutely. Debt management is a legal and widely accepted way to resolve financial liabilities. You are simply appointing us to represent you and negotiate on your behalf, which is your legal right.

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