PANJIM: In an attempt to prevent and counter human trafficking, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed the States to notify a state-headquarter level Anti-Human Trafficking Bureau headed by an additional director general of police.
A two-page communiqué sent to chief secretaries of all State governments and Union Territory administrations also asks the States to set up Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) in each district, we well.
“Each State shall notify a State-Headquarter level AHTB headed by ADGP level officer to oversee and coordinate all trafficking related issues within the State and for coordination with other States/UTs. State shall notify an AHTU in every district of the State, which shall be responsible for all human trafficking related matters in each district and will report to the State-Headquarter level AHTB,” it states.
Each district AHTU shall function under the supervision of a Superintendent of Police/Deputy SP level officer and will be responsible for monitoring and coordinating all activities in the district.
A women help desk at all police stations is also a must, as per the MHA, as it will be responsible to undertake matters of rescue, prevention, protection and support investigation of human trafficking cases of women of the respective jurisdiction. It will also coordinate with other police stations for the purpose.
In view to strengthen the law enforcement response against human trafficking, the MHA has been providing financial assistance to the State governments for setting up AHTUs in 50 percent police districts of all States. An amount of Rs 25.15 crore was released to the States during the financial years 2010-11 to 2019-20.
