Trafficking: Center mulls new definition of "victim", NIA as probing-agency
Reports have it that the Center is working on setting up a dedicated unit to probe trafficking cases, likely under the National Investigation Agency (NIA). More importantly, the new Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2017, suggests identifying trafficked persons as "victims," not offenders. According to the WCD, 52 women/children were trafficked daily in India in 2016. Here's more about the bill.
Trafficking victims are often forced into domestic work, sex trade
South Asia is a hotbed of human trafficking, and much of it happens through India at its center. Thousands of victims, mostly poor women and children, end up as domestic workers, forced laborers or sex workers. West Bengal, Rajasthan and Maharashtra see a high number of such cases, data reveal. But police say the rise in registered cases is also because of more awareness.
The Trafficking of Persons Bill changes the definition of "victim"
To tackle the crime, the Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2017, was drafted, which defines a trafficked person as a "victim" and not an offender. Currently, both the trafficker and the trafficked person are treated as criminals. There is also a provision for a national committee as well as a central fund for relief and rehabilitation of victims.
After give-and-take, WCD and Home Ministry agree on proposal
The Home Ministry reportedly wasn't in favor of a separate trafficking law, and wanted instead to amend existing provisions of the Indian Penal Code. Meanwhile, the WCD wanted a new separate agency to be formed to handle such crimes. The home ministry agreed to a separate trafficking law after the WCD agreed to its demand that existing agencies be allowed to probe such crimes.
Is the NIA equipped to handle such cases?
If the Center agrees on NIA being the investigator of trafficking cases, the National Investigation Act, 2008, will have to be amended. At present, the agency, formed after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, is empowered to probe cases under eight specific laws, including the Atomic Energy Act 1962, the Anti-Hijacking Act 1982, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967.
WCD hoping to introduce bill in March budget session
The trafficking bill is now being examined by a group of ministers. Though the NIA hasn't been finalized, sources say it appears the most suited for the job. The WCD is hopeful of introducing it when the budget session resumes in March.
