Hyderabad: Labour and Mines Minister G. Vivek Venkatswamy on Saturday called for complete eradication of bonded labour, stressing strict enforcement of laws and coordinated action across departments.
He spoke at the concluding session of a state workshop on prevention of human trafficking and bonded labour in Telangana, held in Hyderabad.
Bonded labour eradication call backed by enforcement push
The minister said bonded labour remains an inhuman practice that must end completely. He also stressed the need to create widespread public awareness to prevent exploitation.
Recalling earlier experiences, he said he had witnessed bonded labour cases in Ranga Reddy district several decades ago. He referred to testimonies of two women who suffered as bonded labourers in Maharashtra and said awareness plays a key role in prevention.
“No one should fall into bonded labour. The law clearly mandates additional wages for extra work,” he said.
He added that the government introduced legislation to protect gig workers after assuming office, aiming to improve their security.
Bonded labour eradication call highlights rescue efforts
Vivek Venkatswamy said strict enforcement of laws is essential to curb bonded labour. He stated that between 2021 and 2025, authorities rescued at least 673 bonded labourers across Telangana, including men, women, and children.
He said officials identified these cases in sectors such as agriculture, brick kilns, irrigation works, fisheries, domestic work, cement-related activities, and shepherding.
On child labour, he said it causes severe psychological harm. He urged police to handle such cases with sensitivity instead of treating them only as law-and-order issues.
“Children must be treated with the same care and compassion as we show our own,” he said.
He cited a case from July 2025 in Nalgonda district, where police rescued 29 bonded labourers, including four children, from a fishing camp in the Krishna river backwaters. Authorities arrested eight accused and registered multiple cases through coordinated action by police, labour, revenue, and child welfare departments.
The minister said Telangana launched a 24×7 toll-free helpline on July 30, 2025, to mark Anti-Human Trafficking Day and strengthen response systems.
He also assured rehabilitation support for victims, including housing under the Indiramma scheme for eligible beneficiaries. He said officials would coordinate with local representatives to ensure priority allotment where needed.