New Delhi: The Central Government has taken a significant step towards combating child trafficking in border areas by initiating the development of infrastructure to address this issue. Under the Mission Vatsalya Scheme, victimised girls will be presented before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) to determine suitable facilities for sponsorship. The concerned states and union territories will be requested to take the necessary action based on the guidelines provided. These facilities will offer shelter, food, clothing, counselling, primary healthcare, and other daily necessities to the victims, a majority of whom are children and minors.
India serves as both a source and destination country for human trafficking. Women and girls from countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar are often trafficked to India under false promises of a better life, employment opportunities, and improved living conditions. Sadly, upon their arrival, many of these minor girls and young women are subjected to forced commercial sexual exploitation. Recent news reports highlight the arrest of four individuals in Uttar Pradesh for attempting to sell a girl in Mumbai as part of a human trafficking racket. Often, these girls and women are transported from major Indian cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad to countries in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Consequently, bordering states need to maintain heightened vigilance and establish adequate facilities to provide relief and rehabilitation services to trafficking victims.
To combat human trafficking effectively, the government has allocated funding from the Nirbhaya Fund to all states and UTs to establish or strengthen Anti Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) in every district across the country. Additionally, funding has been provided for AHTUs in Border Guarding Forces like the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). Presently, there are 788 functional AHTUs, including 30 in the Border Guarding Forces. Recognising the need to support victims, especially minor girls and young women, the government has decided to extend financial assistance to states and UTs in border areas to establish Protection and Rehabilitation Homes. These homes will offer various services, including shelter, food, clothing, counselling, primary healthcare, and other essential provisions.
Furthermore, as per Section 51 of the Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act, 2015 (amended in 2021), facilities run by governmental organisations or registered voluntary or non-governmental organisations can be recognised by the Board or Committee as suitable for temporarily assuming the responsibility of a child for specific purposes. This recognition is subject to a thorough inquiry into the facility’s suitability and the organisation’s capability to care for the child. The Board or Committee reserves the right to withdraw this recognition, with reasons documented in writing.
Such as the establishment of Protection and Rehabilitation Homes and the strengthening of Anti Human Trafficking Units aim to mitigate the grave issue of child trafficking and provide necessary support to victims. By addressing this heinous crime, the government strives to ensure the safety, well-being, and rehabilitation of those affected.
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