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Andhra Pradesh Lags on Bonded Labour Rehabilitation as 209 Rescued Workers Await Relief

Activists say weak district machinery is blocking payments despite the Labour Department’s designation as nodal agency last year.

Overview

  • According to Vetti Vimochana Coalition data, about 440 people were rescued in Andhra Pradesh since January 2023, and 209 have yet to receive the ₹30,000 immediate relief guaranteed under the 2021 central scheme.
  • The rehabilitation scheme offers initial cash assistance and support up to ₹3 lakh, but activists report that payments are stalled at the first step.
  • Only 12 of the state’s 28 districts have the Vigilance Committees required by the 1976 law, and even where they exist meetings are irregular.
  • Just Prakasam and Chittoor districts have sought the mandatory ₹10 lakh corpus fund intended for immediate post-rescue support.
  • The state formalized the Labour Department as the nodal agency in June 2025, and reports indicate plans to set up remaining committees and submit funding proposals.