Bonded-labour survivor votes for first time in Tirupati

A file photo of Chithra and Nagaraju, along with the NGO staff, displaying the Release Certificate in Tirupati.

After years of exploitation at a chemical-processing unit, a bonded-labour survivor cast her vote for the first time at Sangavaram village in Balayapalle mandal, Tirupathi district, on Thursday (November 5, 2026).

The survivor, Avala Chithra, and her husband Mekala Nagaraju were rescued by government authorities and an NGO from an exploitative factory where she had spent years in bonded labour. Today, she is not only rebuilding an independent livelihood but also supporting other workers who are trapped in bonded labour.

After exercising her right to vote for the first time, in an interview with The Hindu, Chithra said, “Soon after my marriage, my father-in-law died, and my husband took me to work in a chemical plant to support our family. We were involved in handling hazardous chemicals.”

“I spent long hours mixing white oil and acid, which caused severe burns and deep tissue damage. The fumes and smell were also a concern. I had experienced two pregnancy losses during this period,” she recalled.

The owner reportedly demanded ₹5 lakh from the two workers if they wished to leave. Unable to pay, they remained there, with limited opportunities to find work elsewhere. They were finally able to go home after they complained to the District Collector with the help of an NGO. Under the Collector’s direction, the RDO took action against the employer and rescued them.

However, Chitra claimed that the government has not yet provided the rehabilitation assistance of ₹40,000 or the financial aid to build a house that were promised to them two years ago. She has also applied for a Rice Card and is awaiting sanction from the government. Since she received voter registration last year, she voted for the first time.