01/08/2025
ROPES Organisation, in collaboration with DLSA-Chittoor, organises mass awareness campaign in Jayanthi ST Colony, Chittoor District, on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
To mark the World Day against Trafficking in Persons, a mass awareness campaign was held at Jayanthi ST Colony, Bangarupalyam Mandal, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, under the theme “Human Trafficking is Organised Crime – End the Exploitation.” The event was organised by ROPES Organisation in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Chittoor, Police Department, Labour Department, and other mandal-level officials including the MRO, ICDS, Social welfare officer agriculture officer and Sub-Inspector.
The campaign aimed to raise awareness about legal rights and protections available to vulnerable communities—particularly tribal populations—in the fight against human trafficking and bonded labour.
Hon’ble Judge Ms. M.S. Bharathi, Secretary and Senior Judge of DLSA Chittoor, was the Chief Guest. She delivered a compelling address on the importance of legal literacy and law enforcement to combat exploitation. During the event, she received petitions from community members regarding local issues and took immediate action by discussing the concerns with the relevant departments to ensure timely resolution.
She, along with key dignitaries, unveiled and launched awareness posters and pamphlets on human trafficking and bonded labour. These materials were distributed among community members to educate and empower them to recognize and prevent such crimes.
Officials present included the District Child Protection Officer (DCPO), Chittoor; Social Welfare Officer, Chittoor; Assistant Commissioner of Labour Department-II, Chittoor; MRO, Bangarupalyam; SI and ARPC, Bangarupalyam; PS, Jayanthi Village; WEA and VRO from Mogilivarpalli, among others.
Key legal safeguards such as the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, and Section 143 of the Indian Penal Code (2023)—which defines and penalizes human trafficking—were discussed. The continued impact of bonded labour (locally known as "Vetti Chakiri") on marginalized communities was a central focus.
A powerful moment of the event was the personal testimony of a rescued bonded labour survivor, who shared his inspiring journey from exploitation to freedom.
This campaign served as a significant step toward raising awareness and promoting community action against human trafficking and bonded labour in rural and tribal areas.
“Break the chains. End the crime.Stand for freedom”
