Draft bill to prevent trafficking of persons envisages setting up a Special Court in each district and creation of Anti Trafficking Fund

The Government had unveiled the Draft Bill on “Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2016” on the website of Ministry of Women & Child Development for seeking comments from stakeholders. The salient features of the proposed legislation inter-alia include various aspects of trafficking and its punishments as defined in relevant sections of Indian Penal Code, 1860 as well as penal provisions for the (1) disclosure of identity of the victim of trafficking and witness (2) use of narcotic drug or psychotropic substance or alcohol for the purpose of trafficking and (3) use of chemical substance or hormones for the purpose of exploitation. It has also taken into its ambit the mandatory registration of ‘placement agencies’. It aims to place dedicated institutional mechanism at District, State and Central level, envisages a designated Agency for the investigation of offences and Protection Homes and Special Homes for short term and long term rehabilitation support. It also provides for establishing Special Courts in each district and experienced Special Prosecutors for speedy trial to reduce the trauma faced by the victims and mandatory reporting within 24 hours by a Police Officer, Public servant, any officer or employee of Protection Home or Special Home having custody of the victim of trafficking to the District Anti-Trafficking Committee or in case of child victim to the Child Welfare Committee. Provision of an Anti- Trafficking Fund for the effective implementation of the proposed Act and for the welfare & rehabilitation of the victims. It aims to create a strong legal, economic and social environment against trafficking of persons and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. 

This information was given by the Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi in reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.