Free Press Journal

VIT-AP University Commemorates 50 Years of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976

VIT-AP University in collaboration with Andhra Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (APSLSA) and International Justice Mission (IJM) organised One day Thematic workshop with the theme Freedom, Equality and Social Justice- Our Responsibility in Eradication of Bonded Labour system on 10th February 2026. This event witnessed participation of several stakeholders involving various departments of state police, revenue, labour, child welfare, social welfare department along with paralegal volunteers of the Legal Service Authority. The entire workshop was divided into 3 technical sessions. The executive chairman of APSLSA Justice Ch. Manavendranath Roy inaugurated the event with a keynote. The gathering led to enlightenment about the abolition of the bonded labour system in India. The assembly launched the Audio song and the poster. The Justice A.V. Sesha Sai, Former Judge, High Court of Andhra Pradesh, chaired the first session, sparked for better understanding of abolition of the bonded labour system with the emphasis of landmark judicial precedents and the key provisions of Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976. First technical session panel consisted with dignitaries Dr. Benarji Chakka, Dean, VIT- AP School of Law along with Sri A. Ganeshan, Welfare Commissioner Labour Welfare Board Vijayawada. The session introduced the statics and the achievements made by the Warriers in Eradication of Bonded Labour system. The second technical session was chaired by Justice Dr. V.R.K Krupa Sagar Former Judge, High Court of Andhra Pradesh and Mr. T.S Chetan IAS, CDR. Ashok VM Kumar (RETD.) Vice President, International Justice Mission (NGO) as panellists. This session embarked for cooperation among departments for achieving milestones. The third session consisted of marvellous speakers Smt. B. Lavanya Veni, IAS., Director, Social welfare Department; G. Naga Malleswari, Programme Manager, Child Welfare Department; and Smt. B. S. V. Himabindu, Member Secretary, APSLSA. This session was summed up with the quotations of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. In a nutshell, this event led to improve the insights over the abolition of the Bonded Labour system. Overall, this workshop stood as a significant step in reinforcing the responsibility of every individual in eradicating the bonded labour system. The deliberations, shared experiences, and collective dialogue between the departments strengthened the process and understanding while also considering values of freedom, equality and social justice. The event concluded with a translation of the legal and judicial mandates to practical enforcement at ground level, ensuring liberty, dignity and justice for the vulnerable communities.