NEWS : The Union Cabinet has approved the Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018 for introduction in the Parliament.

Q.1 : Why we need this bill?

• 3rd Largest organised crime violating HRs is Human Trafficking. So far, there is no law to deal with this crime.

• The Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018 addresses one of the most pervasive yet invisible crimes affecting the most vulnerable persons especially women and children.

• India is now a pioneer in formulating a comprehensive legislation. UNODC and SAARC nations are looking forward to India to take lead by enacting this law.

Q.2. What is Trafficking?

• It is not defined in the bill.

• If you trade humans for the purpose of forced labour, sexual slavery, or commercial sexual exploitation for the trafficker or others.

Q.3. How this bill address the issue of trafficking ? It addresses the issue of trafficking from the Three-point of view of

1. prevention,

2. rescue and

3. rehabilitation.

Q.4. How this will be done ? Through institutional mechanism at District, State and Central Level. These will be responsible for prevention, protection, investigation and rehabilitation work related to trafficking.

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Q.5.After rescuing a victim – what will be done to protect their interest?

• SHORT-TERM : They will be transferred to “Protection Homes”(sec.8) - which shall provide for shelter, food, clothing, counselling and medical care for rescued victims.

• LONG-TERM : There is also “special homes” for for the purpose of providing long- term institutional support for the rehabilitation of victims. (Sec.9)

Q.6. How far is the creation of protection homes financially viable? It will be funded through “Anti-trafficking fund”(sec.29), which is contributed by by any individual or organisation.

Q.7.How the rehabilitation will be done ?

• Government will frame appropriate schemes to deal with rehabilitation of the victims. (Section 11)

• The Victims are entitled to interim relief immediately within 30 days to address their physical, mental trauma etc. and further appropriate relief within 60 days from the date of filing of charge sheet.

Q.8.How does it punish criminal who perpetrate trafficking ?

• There will be special agency to investigate the crime of trafficking. (Sec.7)

• The National Anti-Trafficking Bureau will perform the functions of international coordination with authorities in foreign countries and international organizations for the purpose of this bill.

• Designated courts in each district for the speedy trial of the cases, which will punish these criminals with rigorous minimum 10 years to life and fine not less than Rs. 1 lakh.