Trafficking of Minors and School Dropouts

Union Minister of Panchayati Raj Dr. C.P. Joshi today informed the Lok Sabha that his Ministry does not have any specific scheme under which village Panchayats may have to play key role to curb trafficking of minors and school dropouts. However, as per the information received, a Writ-Petition (C) No. 51 of 2006 filed by Bachpan Bachao Andolan Vs Union of India & others had been under consideration before the Hon’ble Supreme Court. In their order dated 22.01.2010 passed in the above mentioned Writ Petition the Hon’ble Apex Court had taken note inter alia of the submission that the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000 has already come into force and rules have been framed thereunder.

In reply to a written question the minister also stated that the Ministry of Women & Child Development have inter-alia a comprehensive scheme named “Ujjawala” for prevention of trafficking and rescue, rehabilitation and re-integration of victims of trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation. It has five components: (i) Prevention (ii) Rescue (iii) Rehabilitation (iv) Re-integration (v) Repatriation. The components of Prevention include formation of Community Vigilance Groups, Adolescent Girls/Adolescent Children Sanghas, Sensitization Workshops / Seminars and Awareness generation.

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