Complete eradication of bonded labour need of the hour: Vivek Venkatswamy

Hyderabad: Labour and Mines Minister G. Vivek Venkatswamy stressed that bonded labour eradication must become a top priority, calling for strict enforcement of laws and stronger coordination among departments.

He spoke as chief guest at the State Convergence Workshop on “Prevention of Human Trafficking and Bonded Labour in Telangana,” held in Hyderabad on Saturday. He highlighted the need for widespread awareness to prevent exploitation and appreciated officials working to address the issue.

Recalling earlier experiences, the minister said he had witnessed several cases of bonded labour in Ranga Reddy district decades ago. He referred to testimonies of survivors and stressed that awareness plays a key role in prevention. He said the law clearly mandates fair wages, including additional pay for extra work.

He also highlighted recent welfare measures, stating that the government introduced legislation to protect gig workers and improve their social security.

Bonded labour eradication needs strict enforcement and coordination

The minister said strong implementation of laws remains essential to eliminate bonded labour. He revealed that between 2021 and 2025, authorities rescued 673 bonded labourers across Telangana, including men, women, and children. These cases emerged from sectors such as agriculture, brick kilns, fisheries, domestic work, irrigation, and cement-related activities.

Addressing child labour, he said it causes serious psychological harm. He urged police to handle such cases with sensitivity and compassion rather than treating them purely as law-and-order issues.

Citing a case from July 2025, he said officials rescued 29 bonded labourers, including four children, from a fishing camp in Nalgonda district. Authorities arrested eight accused and registered multiple FIRs through coordinated action by police, labour, revenue, and child welfare departments.

The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling the issue. He noted that Telangana launched a 24×7 toll-free helpline on Anti-Human Trafficking Day in July 2025 to assist victims and report cases.

He also assured rehabilitation support, including housing under welfare schemes. He said eligible beneficiaries would receive priority assistance and urged people to report any gaps so authorities can act promptly.