After ensuring criminal action against those involved in selling minor girls on stamp papers in Rajasthan's Kanjar community, the NHRC directs states to appoint AHT Nodal Officers.
- These officers shall not be below the rank of a State Secretary or an inspector general of police.
- They are mandated to coordinate with the government and take effective measures through District Anti-Human Trafficking Units (led by officers, not below Deputy SP) to combat human trafficking.
Human Trafficking
- Definition: Human Trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of people through force, fraud, or deception to exploit them for profit (UN).
- Status: In 2022, India reported 2,250 human trafficking cases (NCRB).
- Regulation: Since ‘Police’ is a State subject, registration, investigation and prevention of human trafficking is primarily the responsibility of State Governments.
- Constitutional Provisions: Article 23 prohibits human trafficking; Articles 39(e) and 39(f) ordain that no one is forced into unsuitable work due to economic necessity.
Causes of Human Trafficking
- Economic: Poverty, unemployment, migration, and lack of access to quality education.
- Political: Political instability, war, and natural calamities, etc.
- Cultural Practices: Devaluation of women and girls in a society, Child marriage, etc.
Initiatives against human trafficking
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