The State Government has initiated steps to make Integrated Anti- Human Trafficking Units (IAHTUs) more focused to combat trafficking, kidnapping, forcible marriage, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of women and children.
The Home Department has been asked to ensure that police officers are engaged in these units. Available data shows that, at present, six IAHTUs are functioning in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, Berhampur, Sambalpur and Balasore. Home Department has proposed for opening six more units at other places of the State. Mahila and Sisu desks are also functioning in 537 police stations.
It has been decided to provide special training to the personnel, engaged in these tasks through State Judicial Academy. One sub-inspector rank officer will be kept in exclusive charge of IAHTU and s/he will be assisted by other police personnel. The services of NGO workers and social activists will be utilised in counselling and rehabilitation of victims.
Sources said considering the present scenario, a special study will be conducted in high-incidence districts to track the source, route and destination places of illegal trafficking of girls and women. The study will be undertaken through independent agencies working in this aspect for designing a course of remedial actions.
It has been decided to develop an integrated system of tracking the migration of rural labourers at gram panchayat level. For this purpose, a household-wise data-base of girls and women moving out from their native villages in any form for any work will be developed.
At present, 34 short stay homes are functioning in the State. The State Government submitted a proposal to the Centre to have one unit of Swadhara Griha in 11 districts, two such units in 14 districts and three such units in five districts. The districts recommended for three units each are Khurdha, Puri, Mayurbhanj, Ganjam and Balasore.
A dedicated Toll Free help-line number and response system has been put in place for proving help to any vulnerable or victim women. The State Government has decided to develop a specific action plan for skill development, employment, income generation and social support to the victims so as to enable them to overcome the trauma as well as social stigma and lead a normal life in the mainstream.
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