(a) whether the Institute of Social Sciences has conducted any research on trafficking of women and children for sex work during the recent year;
(b) whether incidents of recruiting children from unorganized labour sector for sex work have been reported;
(c) whether the Ministry has taken any initiative to curtail the mishappening to children; and
(d) if so,; the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR WOMEN AND CHILD
DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI RENUKA CHOWDHURY)
(a) & (b) As per information furnished by Institute of Social
Sciences, the Institute had conducted an all India study on
Trafficking in Women and Children during 2003-2005. During the
Research Programme, a number of instances of commercial sexual
exploitation of children in the unorganized sector have come to
their notice.
(c) & (d) The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 supplemented
by the Indian Penal Code prohibits trafficking in human beings
including children for purpose of prostitution and lays down
severe penalties for traffickers. The ITPS is now being further
amended providing for more stringent punishment for trafficking
in persons including children. The amended Bill was introduced
in Lok Sabha on 22nd May, 2006 and is now under the examination
of the Ministry related Parliamentary Standing Committee. The
Ministry of WCD also runs Swadhar Shelter Homes which provide
shelter, food, clothing, emotional support, counseling,
rehabilitation and other facilities to sex workers including
child sex workers. A pilot project on combating trafficking of
women and children for sexual exploitation is also being
implemented. The Central Advisory Committee on combating Child
Prostitution headed by Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child
Development, Government of India reviews the State’s activities
in combating trafficking and prostitution every quarter. The
Ministry of Women and Child Development also conducts advocacy,
awareness generation, sensitization programme for prevention of
trafficking.