25 Dec 2023 Human Trafficking in India
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “ Human Trafficking in India”. This topic has relevance in the Social Issues section of the UPSC CSE exam.
GS 2: Social Issues
Why in the news?
A flight transporting 303 passengers, predominantly of Indian nationality, is anticipated to arrive at Mumbai airport at approximately 2:20 pm from France, following a three-day delay prompted by suspicions of human trafficking. Originally destined for Nicaragua, the A340 aircraft was immobilized near Paris following an anonymous tip.
Understanding Human Trafficking:
Human trafficking, an illicit trade involving humans, encompasses activities such as sexual slavery, commercial sexual exploitation, organ extraction, forced marriage, forced labor, and domestic servitude. It ranks as the third-largest organized crime globally, following drugs and arms trade.
Prevalence in India:
In 2022, India’s National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported identifying over 6,500 human trafficking victims, with 60% being women and girls. Experts posit that actual figures may be significantly higher due to underreporting.
Constitutional and Legislative Provisions:
- Constitutional Prohibition: Article 23(1) of the Indian Constitution prohibits trafficking in human beings or persons.
- The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act 1956 (ITPA): This legislation is pivotal for preventing trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation.
- Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2013: Amended Section 370 of the Indian Penal Code to address various forms of human trafficking, including child exploitation and forced organ removal.
- Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2012: Specifically protects children from sexual abuse and exploitation.
- Other Relevant Legislation: Acts such as the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, and Transplantation of Human Organs Act address specific aspects of trafficking.
Government Measures:
The Government of India, through the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has implemented several measures to combat human trafficking:
- Anti-Trafficking Cell (ATC): MHA established an Anti-Trafficking Nodal Cell to coordinate efforts and monitor actions taken by state governments.
- Comprehensive Scheme for Strengthening Law Enforcement: MHA released funds to establish Anti-Human Trafficking Units in 270 districts across India.
- Capacity Building: Training of Trainers (TOT) workshops on combating human trafficking for police officers was conducted nationwide to enhance their skills.
- Judicial Colloquium/Seminar: High-level Judicial Colloquiums on human trafficking aim to train and sensitize trial court judicial officers.
Way Forward:
- Strengthen Enforcement:
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- Enhance collaboration among law enforcement agencies for more effective and coordinated efforts.
- Ensure strict implementation of existing legislation, with a focus on proactive measures.
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- Public Awareness and Education:
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- Conduct nationwide campaigns to raise awareness about the various forms of human trafficking.
- Integrate anti-trafficking education into school curricula to empower the younger generation.
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- Victim Support and Rehabilitation:
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- Establish and strengthen rehabilitation programs for survivors, addressing physical, psychological, and economic needs.
- Encourage public-private partnerships to create job opportunities for survivors.
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- International Cooperation:
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- Strengthen collaboration with international organizations and neighboring countries to curb cross-border trafficking.
- Share best practices and intelligence to enhance the global fight against human trafficking.
Download Yojna daily current affairs eng med 25th Dec 2023
Q.1 Discuss the socio-economic factors that make individuals susceptible to human trafficking. How can targeted social and economic interventions help prevent the trafficking of vulnerable populations?
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