‘Government committed to eradicating bonded labour’

Senior government officials on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to eradicating bonded labour and ensuring long-term rehabilitation of freed workers at the annual general body meeting of Jeevana Jwala, an association of the bonded labourer survivors, held in collaboration with Rural Organisation for Poverty Eradication Services (ROPES), at Nagari.

More than 400 rescued labourers participated and shared their accounts of hardship and recovery. Addressing the gathering, Chittoor Principal District judge Justice Bharati called bonded labour an “unpardonable crime” and underlined that child exploitation and harassment of workers would attract severe legal punishments. She urged rescued workers to pursue education, shed superstitions and build self-reliant lives, while acknowledging ongoing welfare programmes.

Revenue Divisional Officer K. Anupama said the State government’s responsibility extended beyond rescue operations to creating permanent livelihood opportunities. “Rehabilitation must be sustainable. The administration will fully support efforts to ensure workers live with dignity,” she said.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Syed Mohmad Aziz stressed the readiness of the police to extend assistance to freed workers and warned of stringent action against those exploiting labourers.

The programme saw participation from officials of various departments, representatives of Jeevana Jwala and ROPES, students of KKC College of Law and members of the public.