GoM For New Law to Curb Trafficking

Special Correspondent

The Hindu, September 15, 2005

New Delhi: The Group of Ministers (GoM) constituted to recommend amendments to the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 is keen on drafting a new law to check human trafficking , particularly exploitation of minor girls and boys.

The eight-member GoM, was set up in July after some members of the Union Cabinet opposed the proposal to either totally ban or legalize prostitution on the ground that it was not "always" "forced". Among other suggestions, the proposed amendments recommend dropping of soliciting as an offence and confiscation of the properties of "pimps".

Sources in the Human Resource Development Ministry say the GoM, which is yet to have its first official meeting, felt that trafficking and prostitution were different and needed to be tackled under a separate set of laws.