DCW issues notices on human trafficking to various departments along with Delhi Police

In a bid to combat trafficking, the state level coordination committee was convened under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary of Delhi government 7 months ago on the request of the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW). Several important decisions were taken in that. However, since the group has not met in the last 7 months, the Commission has issued notices to Department of Women and Child Development, Delhi Police, Directorate of Prosecution and Department of Health and Family Welfare to ascertain the status of implementation of the decisions taken. 

“We have sought information from Director of Directorate of Prosecution regarding number of FIRs which were registered with respect to human trafficking, in 2015 alongwith copies of the FIRs; total cases pending challan as on date along with number of cases challaned with respect to human trafficking in 2015 and number of convictions and acquittals in the year 2015,” said Swati Maliwal, Chairperson of DCW. 

Besides, Maliwal said, Department of Women and Child Development 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 with regard to the status of the same. The DCW also sought information on the possibility of video conferencing facilities for trafficked victims, as discussed in the meeting,” added Maliwal. 

Furthermore, in its notice to Delhi police, DCW has sought details regarding update on the status of nominating a senior officer to head the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU), to receive intelligence inputs directly regarding the same. 

In addition, DCW has also sought year-wise data of the past three years, till date, regarding how many girls or women have been rescued till date, with FIR numbers and brief case details where girls were rescued but no FIR was filed subsequently, said Maliwal. 

She said, “In the meeting of the state level coordination committee 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.” 

Moreover Maliwal stated that trafficking is growing in Delhi and immediate steps need to be taken by both the Central and Sate Government to stop the same.