Andhra Pradesh - Kurnool   

Sexual harassment deters migration to Guntur

Special Correspondent

Kurnool Diocese Social Service Society carries out campaign in villages

KURNOOL: Sexual harassment at new place has deterred many workers from migrating to Guntur district this year, inquiries with agencies working with the migrant workers say. Agricultural operations have been paralysed in Guntur district this year in the absence of migrant workers from Kurnool district. Harvesting of chilli and cotton crops has been delayed inordinately.

Mohan Das of Kurnool Diocese Social Service Society claims that his agency has rescued seven girls this year from Guntur.

Campaign

The agency, which has been working in Adoni, Nandyal, Yemmiganur, Gudur and Guntakal, has carried out a campaign in the villages inhabited by migrant workers explaining the problems associated with the migration. The agency advised parents not to send adolescent girls who are likely to become victims of preying.

Social workers underscore the need for tracking the migrant workers and setting up a helpline for them in case of they encounter any problems. Meanwhile, families, which have traditionally migrated to other places, say that sexual harassment of migrant workers is there not only in Guntur, but everywhere. Any migrant woman worker is an easy prey because of lack of privacy, home and absence of community strength. Migration to Guntur district has declined because of availability of work at urban areas at higher wages.

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Sexual harassment deters migration to Guntur

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