Question : Scheme-Legislation on Trafficking

(a) whether there exists any legislation or scheme for prevention of trafficking and if so, the details and the salient features thereof;

(b) whether the said legislation spells out measures for relief and rehabilitation of victims of trafficking and seeks formation of a Committee for the purpose and if so, the details thereof;

(c) the present status of implementation of the said scheme/legislation along with the review done, if any, about its effectiveness; and

(d) whether the Government proposes to bring in a new legislation for prevention of trafficking and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
(DR. VIRENDRA KUMAR)

(a) to (c): The Government of India is already undertaking measures to combat trafficking. The Ministry is implementing the scheme of Ujjawala for prevention of trafficking and rescue, rehabilitation, re-integration and repatriation of victims of trafficking. The scheme provides for their rehabilitation through shelter, food, counseling, medical and legal aid and vocational training, under the Ujjawala scheme, 162 Protective and rehabilitative Homes have been set up which can accommodate upto 8100 trafficked victims.

Besides the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITPA), 1956 supplemented by the Indian Penal Code prohibits trafficking in human beings for the purpose of prostitution and lays down severe penalties for trafficking. The ITPA, 1956 also provides for protective homes and corrective institutions.

The legislations as per the requirement are reviewed from time to time. Similarly the scheme has an inbuilt mechanism for periodic evaluation.

(d) : Yes, Madam. The proposed legislation on trafficking of persons aims to prevent trafficking of persons, to provide care, protection and rehabilitation to the victims of trafficking, to prosecute offenders and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. It envisages establishment of well coordinated institutional mechanisms at Distirct, State and National level for prevention and investigation of offences and rehabilitation of victims of trafficking. It also provides for confiscation, attachment and forfeiture of properties of persons convicted of offences punishable under the proposed legislation. In addition, it defines some new forms of trafficking as aggravated or otherwise and proposes creation of a dedicated Rehabilitation Fund for rehabilitation of victims of trafficking.
*********