Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: The government has announced plans to assist border states and union territories in setting up homes for the rehabilitation of trafficking victims, particularly children and minors.
Ministry: The Women and Child Development Ministry will provide financial aid to these regions to establish shelters that will offer protection, rehabilitation, and support services to victims of trafficking.
Provisions: These homes will provide essentials such as shelter, food, clothing, counselling, and primary healthcare facilities.
What is Human trafficking?
Human trafficking refers to the illegal trade and exploitation of individuals through force, coercion, or deception for various purposes such as forced labour, sexual exploitation, and organ trafficking. It involves the recruitment, transportation, harbouring, or receipt of people by means of threat, fraud, or abduction for the purpose of exploitation.
India’s Status:
India is both a source and destination country for human trafficking, with neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar being the main sources.
Constitutional Status:
- Article 23 prohibits human trafficking and begar (forced labour without payment).
- Article 24 forbids the employment of children below the age of 14 years in dangerous jobs like factories and mines.
Schemes:
- The Women and Child Development Ministry have been providing financial assistance under the Nirbhaya Fund to establish Anti Human Trafficking Units (AHTU) across the country, including in border guarding forces like the BSF and SSB.
- As of now, 788 AHTUs, including 30 in border guarding forces, are functional.
- Sponsorship under the Mission Vatsalya Scheme, which focuses on the protection and welfare of children.
- Anti-Trafficking Nodal Cell (Ministry of Home Affairs)
