While the drought is at its peak in the Telugu states, the farmers in AP and Telangana, with no other option left, are committing suicides and a few women, reportedly are ending up, choosing prostitution as the profession, alleging that, governments of both the Telugu states, are least concerned about the farmers.  

Anantapur,Rayalaseema region villages are witnessing women getting into prostitution, to earn their livelihood.

Ramadevi who earns Rs 3000 per month, through prostitution says, “I had to take up the job, upon my friend’s suggestion. Several times, clients would beat me, force to drink alcohol and travel to different places along with them. But I had to tolerate all those, with no other option left. My children hate me for this, I several times thought of committing suicide. But there are several people like me, who are forced to get into the profession. It would be better if the government concern about it.”

Also read: We designed plans to stop farmer suicides- KCR

Naga Lakshmi, another victim said, “Even a 10-year-old girl was given injections. Customers were least bothered about the kids crying. Once they put chili in my eyes and mouth. My face got swollen and I could not eat food for several days.”

NGO Rural and Development Society (REDS) secretary, C.Bhanuja shared, “Government or politicians are not interested in social issues. For them women and children are the last priority. There is relief only for agricultural-based activity, and not for such victims. This is the reason why the situation remains the same.”

440 women, as per the NGO records, are now the sex workers, in the region and over 848 girls have been trafficked to  Delhi,Mumbai,Pune and Kolkata.  

By Phani Ch