Maneka Gandhi hopefull of Rajya Sabha to pass Anti-Trafficking bill

Union Minister Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi on Saturday expressed hope that the proposed anti-trafficking bill, which has been passed by the Lok Sabha, would get a clearance from Rajya Sabha as well in the upcoming Winter Session of the Parliament.

When asked about her ministry's bills in the upcoming Winter Session, Gandhi told media here, "We are waiting for the Anti-Trafficking bill. It has been passed in the Lok Sabha, so, I want it to be passed in the Rajya Sabha as well."

The bill, which was passed in the Lok Sabha in July, addresses the issue of trafficking from the point of view of prevention, rescue and rehabilitation. It also advocates for a time-bound trial and repatriation of the victims - within a period of one year from taking into cognisance.

The rehabilitation fund which has been created for the first time will be used for the physical, psychological and social well-being of the victim including education, skill development, health care/psychological support, legal aid, safe accommodation, etc.

It also creates dedicated institutional mechanisms at District, State and Central Level. These will be responsible for the prevention, protection, investigation and rehabilitation work related to trafficking. National Investigation Agency (NIA) will perform the tasks of the Anti-Trafficking Bureau at the national level present under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Apart from these, there are many other key features of the bill, one if it being punishment ranging from rigorous imprisonment of minimum 10 years to life imprisonment along with a fine of no less than Rs. 1 lakh.