Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2016

The Ministry of Women and Child Development released the draft Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill 2016, which is being hailed as a fix for glaring omissions in existing anti-trafficking law.

The Bill is more perceptive of trafficking modus operandi and recognises the more heinous forms of trafficking and exploitation. In particular is the use of chemical substances and narcotics to facilitate trafficking, which is punishable with imprisonment for a minimum of seven years. The Bill also makes provisions acknowledging and deterring sexual exploitation of girls, including those who are administered hormones and other substances to speed up sexual maturity.

Emphasis is also on the rehabilitation of trafficking victims. Arrangements include ‘Protection’ and ‘Special Homes’ providing essential subsistence, with the long term goal being reintegration into society. The Bill envisages an anti-trafficking fund - for providing productive engagement to engagement and reintegration - however remains silent on which government will foot the bill for the same.

Comments on the Bill are being received by the Ministry till 30 June 2016.

Human trafficking crimes in 2013 (Source: data.gov.in)

Tags : trafficking rehabilitation fund substance abuse

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