Marking World Day Against Trafficking in Persons and the Golden Jubilee of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, the Telangana government on Thursday, July 30, organised a State Conference on Bonded Labour in collaboration with NALSAR University of Law and International Justice Mission (IJM)
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Marking World Day Against Trafficking in Persons and the Golden Jubilee of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, the Telangana government on Thursday, July 30, organised a State Conference on Bonded Labour in collaboration with NALSAR University of Law and International Justice Mission (IJM), bringing together government officials, legal experts, civil society organisations, bonded labour survivors, media representatives and law students to strengthen efforts to eradicate bonded labour in the State.As part of the programme, Telangana State Legal Services Authority (TSLSA) member secretary Ch. Panchakshari and NALSAR Vice-Chancellor Krishna Deva Rao flagged off ‘Swechaa Ratham’, a bonded labour awareness vehicle that will travel across all 33 districts to spread awareness about bonded labour, legal rights and available support systems.Officials said the awareness campaign aims to improve public understanding of bonded labour, build confidence in government mechanisms and encourage workers facing exploitation to seek timely assistance.The conference witnessed the participation of more than 380 survivors of bonded labour along with representatives from multiple government departments and civil society organisations.Addressing the gathering, Ch. Panchakshari said that bonded labour continued to persist despite the law completing 50 years. He described bonded labour and human trafficking as issues of human dignity, social justice and constitutional values rather than merely legal concerns.Krishna Deva Rao said the response to bonded labour should extend beyond rescue operations. He said the process must begin with reporting, followed by rescue, release and rehabilitation, while stressing that District Vigilance Committees should become more active and effective.Survivors of bonded labour took centre stage during the event. Among them was Amaragiri Panchayat president P. Lingamma, a bonded labour survivor, who pledged to support others facing exploitation. Recalling her own journey from bondage to leadership, she said she was determined to stand with those suffering injustice and was prepared to help rescue others from bonded labour. Published - July 30, 2026 07:26 pm IST
