Hyderabad: The Telangana government intensified its bonded labour crackdown, with Labour Minister Vivek Venkatswamy calling for coordinated action across departments to eliminate the crime.
Speaking at a state-level workshop, the minister said bonded labour undermined human dignity and required a collective response from government agencies, civil society, and the public. He stated that the administration was strengthening rescue operations, rehabilitation programmes, housing support, and social security measures. He also urged stakeholders to improve grassroots awareness and ensure strict enforcement of laws.
The workshop on combating human trafficking and bonded labour was organised by the Women Safety Wing of Telangana Police in collaboration with the International Justice Mission. It brought together over 200 participants, including officials, police officers, legal experts, and civil society groups, to review trends and improve coordination.
Senior officials, including Director General of Police B. Shivadhar Reddy, Additional Director General of Police Charu Sinha, and Minister D. Anasuya Seethakka, attended the inaugural session.
Coordinated strategy drives bonded labour crackdown
During the discussions, officials highlighted that bonded labour remained a hidden and under-reported organised crime. They stressed the need for stronger deterrence, improved enforcement of labour laws, and enhanced prosecution systems. They also called for a more active role for Anti-Human Trafficking Units.
Addressing the gathering, the DGP said bonded labour was a coercive crime where victims were lured through false promises and trapped in exploitative conditions. He directed police to focus on proactive victim identification, stronger investigations, and the use of modern technology to secure convictions.
Charu Sinha said anti-trafficking efforts often overlook adult bonded labour. She emphasised recognising debt bondage as a criminal offence, strengthening investigations across the exploitation chain, and adopting a survivor-centric approach that prioritised dignity and safety.
Meanwhile, Secretary Anita Ramachandran noted that rescue alone was insufficient without long-term rehabilitation. She warned that a lack of support systems often forced victims back into exploitation. Officials from the legal services authority also underlined the judiciary’s role in enforcing constitutional protections and treating non-payment of minimum wages as forced labour.
Telangana Govt Strengthens Crackdown on Human Trafficking
Labour minister calls for convergence of all departments to eradicate the crime
Telangana State Labour Minister Mr. @VivekVenkatswam said: “Bonded labour is a serious issue that severely undermines human dignity. Its… pic.twitter.com/9NW6V1ftFP
— IPRDepartment (@IPRTelangana) April 18, 2026