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Lok Sabha passes anti­-trafficking Bill

The Lok Sabha in the ongoing monsoon session, passed the Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018.

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Why in the news ?

    • The Lok Sabha in the ongoing monsoon session, passed the Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018. 
    • The Bill provides for the prevention, rescue, and rehabilitation of trafficked persons.
 

Background

  • Trafficking in human beings is the third largest organized crime violating basic human rights.
  • There is no specific law so far to deal with this crime.
  • Accordingly, the Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018 has been prepared.
  • The Bill addresses one of the most pervasive yet invisible crimes affecting the most vulnerable persons especially women and children.
  •  The new law will make India a leader among South Asian countries to combat trafficking.
  • Trafficking is a global concern also affecting a number of South Asian nations.
  • Amongst them, 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.

Key features of the Bill

    • National Anti-Trafficking Bureau:  
    • The Bill provides for the establishment of a National Anti-Trafficking Bureau to investigate trafficking cases and implement provisions of the Bill. 
 
    • State Anti-Trafficking Officers: 
    • Under the Bill, the state government will appoint a State Nodal Officer.  He will be responsible for:
      (i) follow up action under the Bill, as per the instructions of the State Anti-Trafficking Committee, and
      (ii) providing relief and rehabilitation services. 
    • The state government will also appoint a Police Nodal Officer at the state and district levels.
    • Anti-Trafficking Units: 
    • The Bill also provides for the setting up of Anti-Trafficking Units (ATUs) at the district level. 
    • ATUs will deal with the prevention, rescue, and protection of victims and witnesses, and for the investigation and prosecution of trafficking offences.
    • Anti-Trafficking Relief and Rehabilitation Committee:  
    • The Bill provides for the establishment of Anti-Trafficking Relief and Rehabilitation Committees (ATCs) at the national, state, and district levels. 
    • These Committees will be responsible for:
      (i) providing compensation to victims,
      (ii) repatriation of victims, and
      (iii) re-integration of victims in society, among others.
    • Protection and rehabilitation:  
    • The Bill requires the central or state government to set up Protection Homes. 
    • These would provide shelter, food, counselling, and medical services to victims.
    • Time-bound trial:  The Bill provides for setting up designated courts in each district, which will seek to complete trial within a year.
    • Penalties: 
    • Source
      The Hindu, PRS, PIB.
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