DCW issues notices to various departments on human trafficking

The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) on Tuesday issued notices to Department of Women and Child Development (DWCD), Delhi Police, Directorate of Prosecution (DP) and Department of Health and Family Welfare (DHFW), to know the status of the decisions taken by the state level coordination committee (SLCC) on combating trafficking that was convened under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary of Delhi Government, K K Sharma.

DCW has sought information from Director of DP on FIRs with respect to human trafficking in 2015 along with the copies, number of cases challaned with respect to human trafficking in 2015 along with the pending ones, and number of convictions and acquittals in the year 2015.

On getting a notice, DWCD stated that a survey of women sex workers was being envisaged to be undertaken shortly and on the basis of the results, a draft rehabilitation policy for trafficking victims and sex workers will be proposed.

A plan for the identification and construction of residential schools for children of sex workers and to facilitate their admission into the same was also discussed. The Commission has sought details of the same and also possibility of video conference facilities for trafficked victims, as discussed in the meeting.

The Delhi Police has a vital role in curbing human trafficking, which is also a part of the SLCC on combating trafficking. Therefore, the DCW has issued a notice to the Delhi Police seeking details regarding update on the status of nominating a senior officer to head the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU), to receive intelligence inputs directly.

The Commission has also sought data of the past three years, on number of girls or women rescued till date with FIR numbers and brief case details where no FIR was filed even after the rescue. Standard operating procedure followed by police for and upon rescuing a woman was also sought.

The Commission has also sought the details on steps taken or proposed by Delhi Police for strengthening the AHTU in Delhi and all the information which was also sought from Director of DP.

In the SLCC meeting on combating trafficking, it was decided that the health department will set up a mobile dispensary at G.B.Road and extend the opening hours of the existing dispensary. A notice has been issued regarding issue of health cards for sex workers in G.B.Road.

DCW Chairperson Swati Maliwal Jaihind stated, "Trafficking is growing in Delhi. Sincere and immediate steps need to be taken by both the Central and State Government to stop the same."