India’ first comprehensive anti-trafficking bill introduced in Lok Sabha

NEW DELHI: India’ first comprehensive anti-trafficking bill seeking to deal with the crime from the point of prevention, protection and rehabilitation was introduced in the Lok Sabha today.

The Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018, was introduced by Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi.

The bill was approved by the Cabinet in February and while it was hailed by many as a path breaking legislation, it had faced severe criticism from activists on the ground that it violated the rights of sex workers and threatened free speech and labour rights.

Besides taking up prevention, rescue and rehabilitation, it covers aggravated forms of trafficking such as forced labour, begging and marriage.

“This bill is a resounding victory for children, women and the marchers of Bharat Yatra. I thank PM @NarendraModi @PMOIndia for responding to demand of 12 lakh Indians who marched for 12,000 km across 22 states to demand trafficking bill,” Kailash Satyarthi tweeted minutes after the bill was tabled. (AGENCIES)

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