India to soon roll out new law against human trafficking
India will soon introduce a new anti-trafficking law, that proposes 10-year jail for violators engaged in "aggravated forms" and life imprisonment for repeat offenders. Initiated by the Women and Child Development Ministry, the Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill 2017, identifies forms of trafficking, lays down punishment for each, and demands setting up a national bureau to curb the menace. Here's more.
What are aggravated forms of trafficking?
According to a Times of India report, the Bill is currently with a Group of Ministers, that will take the final decision. As per the Bill, aggravated forms include trafficking: *For forced/bonded labor using violence, intimidation or deception *Using narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or alcohol *For marriage or under its pretext *For begging or taking advantage of those mentally ill or pregnant
The punishment ranges from 3 years to life imprisonment
The Bill proposes the following punishments for various forms of trafficking: *An aggravated form: 10 years jail to life imprisonment + fine starting at Rs. 1L. *Repeat offenders: Life imprisonment + fine of over Rs. 2L. *Buying/selling a person, engaging in trafficking through media: 7-10 years jail + fine higher than Rs. 1L. *Distributing/selling acts of sexual exploitation: 3-7 years jail.
A national anti-trafficking bureau to be set up
The bill also proposes establishing a national anti-trafficking bureau and deploying state-level officers to successfully provide relief and rehabilitation services at the grassroots level. Notably, human trafficking in India grew by about 20% between 2015-2016, according to the National Crime Records Bureau. 8,132 cases were reported in 2016 as against 2015's 6,877 cases. The maximum (44%) were reported from West Bengal and Rajasthan (17%).
