Bonded labour an inhuman, illegal practice, says Chittoor Collector

Collector Sumit Kumar and District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Secretary M.S. Bharathi on Monday flagged off the awareness campaign vehicle from the Collectorate here, aimed at eradicating the practice of bonded labour across Chittoor, Annamayya, and Tirupati districts.

The Collector said that the initiative launched by ROPES (Rural Organisation for Poverty Eradication Services), in association with the Andhra Pradesh Bonded Labour Liberation Federation, coincided with the completion of 50 years of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976. “The campaign vehicle will tour villages across the target region to spread awareness on legal provisions, rights of workers, and rehabilitation measures through pamphlets and posters,” he said.

Addressing a gathering of officials, members of the voluntary organisations, and field staff of the allied departments, Mr. Sumit Kumar said bonded labour was an inhuman and illegal practice, and asserted that the district administration would take strict legal action against those found violating the law. He commended ROPES chairman K. Dhanasekharan, saying the drive was timely and effective in spearheading the message.

DLSA Secretary Bharathi said that ROPES had played a key role in securing the release of 95 bonded labourers from the three districts in a year’s time.