(a) whether the Government has sent any delegation to attend a conference held in vienna
regarding fight against human trafficking;
(b) if so,the details thereof and the main issues discussed therein;and
(c) the action taken by the Government thereon?
THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI RENUKA CHOWDHURY)
(a) & (b): Yes,Sir. a delegation led by Smt. Renuka Chowdhry, Honble Minister of State
(independent Charge) for Women & Child Development, along with the representatives from Ministers
of Home Affairs, Labour & Employment and Women and Child Development attended the Vienna forum to
fight human trafficking, held from 13-15 February 2008.The Main issues discussed in the Forum were
vulnerability of persons to trafficking and its impact as well as action to be taken against human
trafficking.
(c): The Ministry of Women and Child Development is already undertaking a number of measures to
combat trafficking.The immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 supplemented by the Indian Penal Code
prohibits trafficking in human being including children for the purpose of prostitution and lays
down severe penalties for trafficking;it conducts advocacy,awareness generation,sensitization
programmes for prevention of trafficking of women and children.The Ministry is implementing a
scheme of ‘Ujjawala’ for prevention of trafficking and rescue, rehanilitation reintegration and
repatriation of victims of trafficking.It 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.