Bonded labour has long-term negative consequences not only for the victims but also for society as a whole, 9th Additional District Judge, Chittoor N. Srinivasa Rao said.
He was speaking at an awareness programme on the issues, impact and preventive measures related to bonded labour organised to mark Bonded Labour System Abolition Day. The event was jointly organised by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), the Department of Labour, and the Rural Organization for Poverty Eradication Services (ROPES) organized an awareness camp at the DLSA campus here on Friday (February 07).
The programme aimed to raise awareness on the issue through a series of lectures, discussions, and cultural programs across six districts, including Chittoor, Tirupati, Nellore, Annamayya, Sri Sathya Sai, and Kadapa.
Speaking on the occasion, the District Judge stressed the urgent need for effective prevention measures and rehabilitation support for affected individuals. Chairman ROPES K. Dhana Sekharan said that as part of the programme, two types of posters and pamphlets designed to spread awareness about bonded labor prevention were unveiled. “We have also planned cultural activities in tribal villages to engage local communities to fight the menace of bonded labour and reinforce the message of labor rights and social justice,” he said.
Other speakers observed combating bonded labor would be effective through fostering dialogue among legal authorities, social welfare officials, and grassroots organizations. The participants reaffirmed their commitment to eradicating this exploitative practice and ensuring justice for vulnerable communities.
Senior officials from the police, judiciary, labour, social welfare, tribal welfare, and revenue departments took part in the awareness camp.
