Human Trafficking and Exploitation in Bihar

The article highlights the severe issue of human trafficking and exploitation, focusing on the state of Bihar, India. It reveals the tragic stories of young girls trafficked under false pretenses and the systemic challenges in addressing this crisis.

Trafficking Overview

• Human trafficking is a major global crime, severely impacting women and children.
• In 2024, nearly 138 million children were engaged in child labor, with 54 million in hazardous work (ILO and UNICEF).
• Bihar, with its porous borders and railway connectivity, is a significant trafficking hub.

Causes and Methods of Trafficking

• Poverty and lack of regulation lead to the commodification of girls.
• Traffickers exploit cultural aspirations and make false promises of employment or marriage.

Current Legal and Enforcement Challenges

• The existing laws like the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act and POCSO Act are comprehensive but poorly enforced.
• Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) are under-resourced.
• Jurisdictional issues often derail multi-state investigations.
• Low conviction rates with most cases reported as kidnappings or missing persons.

Preventive and Corrective Measures

• Urgent legal actions: Immediate ban on employing minors in orchestras.
• Community vigilance: Schools should track attendance, and Panchayats should maintain migratory registers.
• Transport vigilance: Increased monitoring by the Railway Protection Force and other transport entities.
• Prosecution and rehabilitation: Premises used for trafficking must be sealed, and long-term rehabilitation should be state-supervised.

Role of Prosecution in Ending Trafficking

• The report 'Building the Case for Zero' by C-Lab emphasizes the role of prosecution as crucial in ending child labor and trafficking. 
• It provides data from 24 states, highlighting successful rescues and legal actions taken.

Strategy to Combat Trafficking: PICKET

• Policy: Establish strong policies prohibiting child labor and exploitation.
• Institutions: Ensure proper monitoring, prosecution, and rehabilitation processes.
• Convergence: Coordination among agencies and digital infrastructure is crucial.
• Knowledge: Community awareness and intelligence gathering are key.
• Economic Measures: Making trafficking economically unviable.
• Technology: Employ technology to track traffickers and predict patterns.

Conclusion

It emphasizes that the tools and laws exist, but the will to act promptly is crucial to prevent further victimization.