The Lok Sabha has passed the Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018. The Bill provides for the prevention, rescue, and rehabilitation of trafficked
![Lok Sabha Passes Trafficking of Persons Bill 2018 Lok Sabha Passes Trafficking of Persons Bill 2018](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxf_9UazIGCx19h_B3-cZHVbGyykhrxDuONmK-O2sbfIzwlZ-2DZDbPo2bu1nUBZ441bcxYe1pT9V91n8Nx8DxF3ozxvzuYJH_Ev_3rNJFVy1blPkMS0_T4tlnA6zhAHe7LNtc3i_AHj6/s320-rw/lok+1.jpg)
persons and seeks to establish National Anti-Trafficking Bureau to investigate trafficking cases.
a. Anti-Money Laundering Units (AMLUs)
b. Anti-Corruption Units (ACUs)
c. Anti-Trafficking Units (ATUs)
d. None of the above
Q2. The Bill proposes the establishment of what, to investigate trafficking cases and implement the provisions of the Bill?
a. National Anti-Trafficking Bureau (NATB)
b. National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NACB)
c. National Anti-Terrorism Bureau (NATB)
d. None of the above
- It also provides for the setting up of Anti-Trafficking Units (ATUs) at the district level which will deal with the investigation, prevention, rescue and protection of victims and witnesses.
Details of the Bill:
National Anti-Trafficking Bureau (NATB):
- The Bill proposes the establishment of NATB to investigate trafficking cases and implement the provisions of the Bill.
- NATB will comprise of police officers and any other officers as required.
- It will take over investigation of any offence under the Bill referred to it by two or more states.
- Further, it may request a State Government to co-operate in investigation or transfer the case to the State Government for investigation and trial, with approval from the Central Government.
What are the functions of NATB?
- Coordinate and monitor surveillance along known trafficking routes
- Facilitate surveillance
- Enforce and take preventive steps at source
- Transit and destination points
- Maintain coordination between law enforcement agencies and NGOs and other stakeholders
- Increase international cooperation with authorities abroad for intelligence sharing and mutual legal assistance
State Anti-Trafficking Officers:
- The Bill mandates State Government to appoint a State Nodal Officer.
- The officer will be responsible for follow up action as per provisions of the Bill and as per the instructions of the State Anti-Trafficking Committee and provide relief and rehabilitation services.
- It also mandates the State Government to appoint a Police Nodal Officer at the State and District levels.
- The State Government will also designate Anti-Trafficking Police Officers for each district to deal with all matters related to trafficking in the district.
Anti-Trafficking Units:
- The Bill provides setting up of Anti-Trafficking Units (ATUs) at district level.
- They will deal with prevention, rescue and protection of victims and witnesses and for investigation and prosecution of trafficking offences.
- In districts where ATU is not functional, this responsibility will be taken up by the local police station.
Anti-Trafficking Relief and Rehabilitation Committee:
- The Bill provides for establishment of these committees (ATCs) at all three levels viz. national, state, and district levels.
- These committees will be responsible for providing compensation, repatriation and re-integration of victims in society, among others.
Search and rescue:
- The Bill empowers the Anti-Trafficking Police Officer or ATU to rescue persons, if they are in imminent danger.
- They will be produced before the Child Welfare Committee or the Magistrate for medical examination.
- The district ATC will provide relief and rehabilitation services to rescued persons.
Protection and rehabilitation:
- The Bill mandates The Central and State Government to set up Protection Homes to provide shelter, food, counselling, and medical services to victims.
- It also mandates that the Central or State Government will maintain Rehabilitation Homes in each district to provide long-term rehabilitation to victims.
- In all cases, rehabilitation of victims will not be dependent on criminal proceedings being initiated against the accused or outcome of such proceedings.
- Union Government will also create Rehabilitation Fund which will be used to set up these Protection and Rehabilitation Homes.
Time-bound trial:
- The Bill provides for setting up designated courts in each district to complete trial within a year.
Penalties:
- The Bill specifies penalties for various offences including for promoting trafficking, trafficking of persons, disclosing identity of victims and aggravated trafficking such as trafficking for bonded labour and begging.
- For trafficking, it prescribes rigorous imprisonment of 10 years up to life imprisonment, along with minimum fine of Rs. 1 lakh.
- For publishing of any material related to identities to victims, it prescribes imprisonment between 5 to 10 years, and fine between Rs 50,000 to Rs.1 lakh.
Questions:
Q1. The Bill provides for the setting up of which units at the district level which will deal with the investigation, prevention, rescue and protection of victims and witnesses?a. Anti-Money Laundering Units (AMLUs)
b. Anti-Corruption Units (ACUs)
c. Anti-Trafficking Units (ATUs)
d. None of the above
Q2. The Bill proposes the establishment of what, to investigate trafficking cases and implement the provisions of the Bill?
a. National Anti-Trafficking Bureau (NATB)
b. National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NACB)
c. National Anti-Terrorism Bureau (NATB)
d. None of the above