Question : CHILDREN TRADING

(a) whether the attention of the Government has been drawn to newsitem `cheaper to buy a child than buffalo says NGO` appeared in the Hindustan Times dated April 3, 2007;

(b) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto;

(c) whether the attention of the Government has been drawn to the survey conducted by Bachpan Bachao Andolan an Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO);

(d) if so, the facts given in their survey; and

(e) the response of the Government on the findings of survey alongwith the corrective steps taken/likely to be taken in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI RENUKA CHOWDHURY)

(a) Yes, Sir.

(c)&(d) As per information supplied by Bachpan Bacho Andolan, they have reported that there is a need for improving awareness on combating trafficking of children and rehabilitation and reintegration of the victims.

(b)&(e) The Ministry of Women and Child Development conducts advocacy, awareness generation and sensitization programmes for prevention of child trafficking. The Ministry of Women and Child Development also runs Swadhar Shelter Homes which provide shelter, food, clothing, emotional support, counseling, rehabilitation and other facilities to women in difficult circumstances including trafficked victims and children. The Ministry is also implementing a project to combat trafficking of women and children. The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (ITPA) supplemented by the Indian penal Code prohibits trafficking in women and children for purposes of prostitution and lays down severe penalties for traffickers. The ITPA is now being further amended providing for more stringent punishment for trafficking in persons.