Maneka favours inclusion of anti-trafficking law in textbooks

Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi today favoured inclusion of information on prevention of human trafficking in school text books.

Gandhi said she will request her counterpart in the Human Resource Ministry to take appropriate steps in this regard, after a member suggested in the Lok Sabha that NCERT text books could include information about the Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill.

Gandhi, while replying to the debate, said every text book in schools now has POCSO (Protection of Children Against Sexual Offenders) Act as well as depiction of 'what is good touch' and 'what is bad touch' in the last page.

"I would request the HRD Ministry to put some information on the anti-trafficking law in the text books as well," she said.

The House later passed the bill through a voice vote.

Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Ray commended the Minister for bringing a "good bill" and responding to each and every member of the House who spoke on the bill during the debate.

"I have seldom heard a minister reply to every members who have spoken. I hope other ministers do the same," Ray said.