Hyderabad, July 30, 2026: The Government of Telangana, in partnership with NALSAR University of Law and International Justice Mission (IJM), launched a statewide campaign against bonded labour on July 30, marking World Day Against Trafficking in Persons and the 50th anniversary of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act (BLSA).
The initiative was inaugurated at a state conference attended by government officials, legal experts, civil society representatives, over 380 bonded labour survivors, media, and law students. The conference focused on strengthening collective efforts to eradicate bonded labour, sharing progress and experiences, and reaffirming commitment to protecting vulnerable communities from exploitation.
Swechaa Ratham van flagged off
Shri Ch Panchakshari, Member Secretary of the Telangana State Legal Services Authority (TSLSA), and Shri Krishna Deva Rao, Vice Chancellor of NALSAR University of Law, flagged off the ‘Swechaa Ratham’, a mobile awareness van that will travel across all 33 districts of Telangana. The van aims to disseminate information, engage communities, and build grassroots awareness about bonded labour and legal rights.
This campaign aligns with the Telangana Rising 2047 vision articulated by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, which asserts that bonded labour and modern slavery have no place in the state’s future. The initiative seeks to strengthen prevention, boost public confidence in government systems, and encourage exploited workers to seek assistance.
Focus on survivor voices and legal awareness
The conference opened with welcome remarks and addresses from key officials, highlighting the need for sustained collaboration, effective BLSA implementation, and survivor-centred approaches to prevention, rescue, rehabilitation, and justice. Speakers emphasised the importance of partnerships between government, academia, and civil society in tackling bonded labour.
Shri Ch Panchakshari stated that despite 50 years of the BLSA Act, bonded labour persists, calling it a matter of grave concern. He noted that the TSLSA is conducting legal awareness campaigns in villages and has deployed mobile legal awareness vans screening short films to educate rural communities on bonded labour and other legal rights.
Shri Krishna Deva Rao stressed the importance of coordinated action, saying, “The way forward begins with reporting, followed by rescue, release, and rehabilitation. District Vigilance Committees, lawyers, teachers, civil society organisations, civil servants, Panchayati Raj institutions, and the SLSA must work together.”
Awareness song and new resources launched
Smt. Merlin Freeda, National Programme Director of IJM, highlighted the significance of the BLSA Act and the ongoing exploitation of vulnerable workers in sectors such as rock quarries, brick kilns, and rice mills. She called for transforming awareness into action and sustained collective effort.
A key highlight was the launch of the ‘Bonded Labour Awareness Song’, performed by singer-songwriter and Government of Telangana Cultural and Tourism Advisory Committee Member Palle Narasimha. The song aims to increase public awareness and encourage communities to report suspected cases of bonded labour to the Labour Department’s helpline.
The event also saw the release of a commemorative booklet marking 50 years of the BLSA Act and a poster featuring the bonded labour toll-free helpline number for display in government offices statewide.
Survivor testimonies and cultural performances
Survivors of bonded labour shared their experiences of exploitation, rescue, and recovery. P Lingamma, Panchayat President of Amaragiri and a bonded labour survivor, spoke about her determination to support others facing hardship and injustice, expressing readiness to help rescue people from bonded labour.
The Gajuwelli Pratap Cultural Group performed a drama depicting the realities of bonded labour and the journey from exploitation to freedom, reinforcing the importance of collective action to prevent exploitation and support survivors.
The conference concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to strengthen systems, raise public awareness, and advance efforts towards a future free from bonded labour in Telangana.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a press release provided by the concerned organisation and has been edited for style and clarity with the assistance of AI tools. BusinessFortnight does not verify, endorse, or take responsibility for the claims, figures, or statements made in the original release.
