Syllabus: GS-II & V: Vulnerable Sections 

Why in the news?

Recent exercises and studies by the National Human Rights Commission, along with multiple initiatives for anti-human trafficking units in States, have highlighted the growing need for stronger prevention, rehabilitation and prosecution mechanisms.

• Human trafficking remains one of the fastest expanding global crimes, often compared with illicit trade in drugs and arms. 
• With increasing online exploitation, movement of domestic workers, and commercial sexual exploitation, India continues to face rising threats despite strong constitutional and legal safeguards.

Understanding the legal foundation

• Trafficking is explicitly prohibited under Article 23 of the Constitution of India, forbidding trafficking, forced labour and beggary. India has backed this through international legal commitments.
• India has ratified the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, adopted in 2000, which obligates governments to prevent trafficking, protect victims and ensure prosecution of offenders.
• Domestically, the most important law is the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (ITPA)—enacted following the UN Convention on the Suppression of Trafficking (1950). 
• It was strengthened through amendments in 1986, 2006 and 2018 to provide for special police officers, designated units and stricter punishments.
• Other key legislations linked to trafficking include:
  • Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976
  • Juvenile Justice Act amendments
  • Child Labour (Regulation and Prohibition) Act, 1986
  • Information Technology Act, 2000
  • Devadasi Prohibition laws

These laws cover trafficking for sexual exploitation, forced labour, child labour, organ trafficking and illegal adoption networks.

Alarming trends and judicial intervention

• Human trafficking disproportionately affects women and children. 
• Reports from recent years show that nearly 83,000 children were reported missing in 2022, and many remain untraced. 
• Between 2019 and 2020, over 13 lakh women and girls were reported missing, pointing significantly towards trafficking networks.
• In Vishal Jeet vs Union of India (1990), the Supreme Court directed States to urgently address trafficking, particularly child prostitution, and form specialised advisory committees involving police, welfare officers, NGOs and legal authorities.

This judgment laid the foundation for India’s National Plan of Action (1998) on Prevention, Rescue, Rehabilitation and Reintegration.

Recent institutional steps

The Ministry of Women and Child Development has proposed the Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2021, which:

• Designates NIA as lead investigating authority
• Enhances penalties for organised trafficking
• Provides structured rehabilitation mechanisms

Additionally, the Government has allocated ₹250 crore to States/UTs for:

• Anti-Human Trafficking Units at district level
• Women help desks in police stations
• Dedicated support services

A recent NHRC–BIRD study also flagged vulnerabilities of domestic workers and entertainment sector employees, who remain outside labour protections.

Way forward

Experts argue that legal frameworks alone cannot eliminate trafficking. States must:

• Intensify awareness campaigns in schools and colleges
• Strengthen legal aid and counselling at police and court levels
• Improve conviction rates through timely investigations
• Build convergence between judiciary, NGOs and administration
• Expand shelter homes beyond rescue to long-term rehabilitation

Technological solutions—such as tracking missing children, digital tracing of illegal recruitment and cross-border data sharing—can provide significant breakthroughs.

Trafficking is ultimately rooted in poverty, lack of opportunities, unsafe migration and weak social protection systems. Ensuring economic independence and social support remains central to breaking trafficking networks.

Exam Hook – Mains

“Critically evaluate the legislative and institutional frameworks designed to combat human trafficking in India. Suggest reforms to strengthen prevention and rehabilitation.”

One line wrap: Human trafficking continues to threaten India’s vulnerable sections, demanding stronger laws, coordinated intervention and empowering rehabilitation frameworks.

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