Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Human trafficking, defined by the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons (2003) as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force, or other forms of coercion, for the purpose of exploitation, remains a deeply entrenched problem in India. While often associated with sexual exploitation, trafficking encompasses forced labour, debt bondage, and organ removal. Recent reports indicate a concerning rise in trafficking cases, particularly exacerbated by socio-economic vulnerabilities stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing digital connectivity. This necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the issue’s gravity and the systemic factors that perpetuate it.
Prevalence of Trafficking in India
India is a source, transit, and destination country for human trafficking. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data (2022), a total of 63,339 cases of human trafficking were registered in India. However, these figures are widely believed to be an underestimation due to the hidden nature of the crime and underreporting. West Bengal, Bihar, and Rajasthan are identified as major source states, while Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad are key destination points. Trafficking against women and children takes various forms:
- Sexual Exploitation: This remains the most prevalent form, with women and girls trafficked into brothels, often across state borders.
- Forced Labour: Men, women, and children are subjected to forced labour in industries like brick kilns, construction, agriculture, and domestic work.
- Debt Bondage: Individuals are trapped in cycles of debt, forcing them to work for little or no pay to repay loans.
- Organ Trafficking: Though less documented, organ trafficking, particularly kidney harvesting, is a growing concern.
- Child Marriage: Often linked to trafficking, girls are trafficked for the purpose of forced marriage.
Socio-Economic Factors Contributing to Trafficking
Several interconnected factors contribute to the vulnerability of individuals to trafficking:
- Poverty and Economic Disparity: Lack of economic opportunities and widespread poverty make individuals susceptible to deceptive recruitment practices.
- Social Exclusion and Discrimination: Marginalized communities, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and religious minorities, are disproportionately affected.
- Lack of Education: Limited access to education reduces awareness about trafficking risks and limits livelihood options.
- Gender Inequality: Deep-rooted patriarchal norms and gender discrimination increase women and girls’ vulnerability.
- Disasters and Displacement: Natural disasters and displacement due to conflict or development projects create opportunities for traffickers.
- Digital Connectivity: Increased access to the internet and social media platforms has created new avenues for traffickers to identify and exploit victims.
Legal and Policy Framework
India has a comprehensive legal framework to combat trafficking:
| Act/Law | Year | Key Provisions |
|---|---|---|
| Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITPA) | 1956 | Aims to suppress the immoral traffic in women and girls. Often criticized for its focus on suppression of prostitution rather than rehabilitation of victims. |
| Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act | 1986 | Prohibits indecent representation of women in publications, writings, paintings, and other forms. |
| Criminal Law (Amendment) Act | 2013 | Introduced stricter penalties for trafficking offences, including aggravated forms of trafficking. |
| Anti-Trafficking Units (ATUs) | Established across states | Dedicated units for prevention, investigation, and rescue operations. |
The government has also launched several schemes, including the Ujjawala Scheme (2007) for the prevention of trafficking and rescue, rehabilitation, and re-integration of victims.
Challenges and Limitations
Despite the legal and policy framework, several challenges hinder effective anti-trafficking efforts:
- Low Conviction Rates: Conviction rates remain low due to difficulties in gathering evidence, witness intimidation, and corruption.
- Lack of Coordination: Poor coordination between different government agencies and NGOs hampers rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
- Re-trafficking: Victims are often re-trafficked due to lack of sustainable livelihood options and social support.
- Transnational Nature of Trafficking: Trafficking often involves cross-border movement, requiring international cooperation.
- Demand Side Factors: Addressing the demand for cheap labour and commercial sexual exploitation is crucial but often neglected.
Conclusion
The problem of trafficking against women and children in India is undeniably serious, deeply rooted in socio-economic vulnerabilities and perpetuated by systemic failures. While legal frameworks and schemes exist, their effectiveness is limited by low conviction rates, lack of coordination, and the transnational nature of the crime. A multi-pronged approach focusing on prevention through education and economic empowerment, strengthening law enforcement, ensuring victim-centric rehabilitation, and addressing demand-side factors is crucial to effectively combat this heinous crime and protect vulnerable populations. Greater international collaboration and a focus on addressing the root causes of vulnerability are also essential for long-term success.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.