Ministry of Women and Child Development has formulated a draft Bill on “Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2016” for further consultations with all stakeholders. It aims to create a strong legal, economic and social environment against trafficking of persons and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

The draft Bill has taken in to account the various aspects of trafficking and its punishments as defined in section 370- 373 of Indian Penal Code, 1860 and aims to include other offences/ provisions which are not dealt in any other law for the purpose of trafficking, such as (1) penal provisions for the disclosure of identity of the victim of trafficking and witness (2) use of narcotic drug or psychotropic substance or alcohol for the purpose of trafficking (3) use of chemical substance or hormones for the purpose of exploitation. The draft Bill has also taken in to its ambit the ‘placement agencies’ by making mandatory for them to also register for the purposes of this Act.

The proposed draft Bill aims to place dedicated institutional mechanism at District, State and Central level. It also envisages a designated Agency for the investigation of offences. It provides for Protection Homes and Special Homes for short term and long term rehabilitation support. For speedy trial with a view to increase prosecution and to reduce the trauma faced by the victims, the proposed draft Bill provides for establishing Special Courts in each district and experienced Special Prosecutors. Recovery of back wages and other monetary losses of the victim of trafficking is also proposed.

The draft Bill provides for mandatory reporting within 24 hours by a Police Officer, Public servant, any officer or employee of Protection Home or Special Home having custody of the victim of trafficking to the District Anti-Trafficking Committee or in case of child victim to the Child Welfare Committee. For the effective implementation of the proposed Act and for the welfare and rehabilitation of the victims an Anti- Trafficking Fund will be created.

Download the Draft Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2016 here.

The last date for submitting inputs is 30th June, 2016.