(a) whether the Government is aware that children are forced to become as sex workers
by use of physical violence; and
(b) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto and steps taken in this regard?
(a) whether the Government is aware that children are forced to become as sex workers
by use of physical violence; and
(b) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto and steps taken in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI RENUKA CHOWDHURY)
(a) As per study commissioned by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of
India titled “Girls/Women in Prostitution in India†the common factors for entry into prostitution
are illiteracy, lack of vocational skills, economic distress, migration, growing consumerism,
ill-treatment by parents/guardians, desertion by spouse, dejection in love and deception.
(b) The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (ITPA) 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 ITPA is now being further amended providing for
more stringent punishment for trafficking in persons including children. The Ministry of Women
and Child Development conducts advocacy, awareness generation, sensitization programme for
prevention of child trafficking. The Central Advisory Committee on combating Child
Prostitution headed by Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of
India reviews the States’s activities in combating trafficking and prostitution every quarter.
The Ministry of Women and Child Development is implementing the scheme of Ujjawala wherein
prevention of trafficking is included as a specific component. The Ministry 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.