Hans News Service Vijayawada

NTR district collector Dr G Lakshmisha has stressed that greater public awareness and vigilance are essential to prevent the trafficking of women and children. Coordinated efforts by government departments, educational institutions and society are essential to eradicate human trafficking and bonded labour, he said. To mark the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the collector unveiled an anti-human trafficking awareness poster at the Collectorate here on Thursday.

On the occasion, the collector released Rs 6.60 lakh as immediate rehabilitation assistance for 22 bonded labourers, crediting Rs 30,000 each to their bank accounts. The beneficiaries, migrant workers from Odisha, were rescued from a brick kiln at Nunna of Vijayawada Rural mandal on May 7, 2025. Dr Lakshmisha assured them of continued government support for their rehabilitation and rehabilitation into mainstream society.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Lakshmisha said the observance aims to educate people about the growing menace of human trafficking and promote preventive measures at the grassroots level.

The collector warned that fraudsters are increasingly targeting young people through social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook by luring them with fake promises of jobs, education and lucrative opportunities. He urged the youth to verify such offers carefully and remain alert against online scams. Dr Lakshmisha expressed concern that crimes such as sexual exploitation, child trafficking, bonded labour, forced begging, forced marriages and illegal organ trade continue despite technological advancements. He says that women, children, orphans, school dropouts and economically disadvantaged families are the most vulnerable to such crimes. He appealed to the public to immediately inform the police about any suspicious persons or activities and reminded them that stringent provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the POCSO Act and other laws provide severe punishment for offences related to human trafficking and child abuse. He also urged citizens to contact Child Helpline 1098 in cases involving children in distress. Deputy Commissioner of Labour Guntupalli Dhanalakshmi said human trafficking is an organised crime in which offenders first gain the confidence of victims before exploiting them. She advised youth travelling for education or employment not to trust strangers and encouraged women to make use of safety applications such as Shakti. Social worker Tirupati Rao, NGO representative Ramakrishna, officials from various departments, social workers and students participated in the programme.