Former bonded labourer unfurls tricolour as Sarpanch in Amaragiri

In a moment of profound significance for the indigenous Chenchu tribal community, a 56-year-old former bonded woman labourer, Pedda Lingamma, unfurled the national flag at Amaragiri, a small village in Nagarkurnool district, on the occasion of 77th Republic Day, following her recent election as Sarpanch.

Reflecting on the occasion, Lingamma said, “This is a very proud day for my community. I never dreamed that I would one day lead our village. Celebrating Republic Day without fear and in true freedom is something I cannot express in words.”

For generations, Chenchu families in Amaragiri village of Kollapur mandal depended on fishing in Krishna river for their livelihood. They were reportedly controlled by local moneylenders who supplied fishing nets and necessities through high-interest loans. These Chenchu fishermen were not only compelled to sell their catch exclusively to these lenders at prices far below market value, but also endured physical abuse, intimidation and lack of awareness.

Nearly 60 families – around 106 individuals – in Amaragiri were living under bonded labour conditions, unaware that such practices were illegal. A district-level inquiry led to the rescue of these bonded labourers on January 7, 2016, according to the Foundation for Sustainable Development, an NGO.