Question : INCREASE IN PROSTITUTION



(a) whether the Government is aware that number of prostitutes is continuously increasing in the country as published in Dainik Navbharat dated July 02, 2006;

(b) if so, the details and facts of matter reported;

(c) whether National Human Rights Commission and National Commission for Women have expressed their concern over human trafficking of girls and women in the flesh trade;

(d) if so, the details of trafficking of girls and women for flesh trades in the country, State-wise;

(e) whether the Government has decided to assess the social/economic aspects of this issue keeping in view the said human trafficking;

(f) if so, the details thereof; and

(g) the steps taken by the Government to stop such practices?

Answer given by the minister

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI RENUKA CHOWDHURY)

(a) & (b) The study on “Girls/Women in Prostitution in India” conducted (between 2002-2004) sponsored by the Ministry of Women and Child Development and quoted in Dainik Navbharat of 02.07.2006, reports that there is a growing trend in the number of prostitutes in the country. The study estimates that there are 2.8. million prostitutes in the country of which 35.47% entered the trade before the age of 18 years.

(c) Yes, Sir.

(d) As per the information furnished by National Commission for Women and National Human Rights Commission, specific data state-wise, with respect to girls and women trafficked for fresh trade is not available.

(e) & (f) The Report sponsored by Ministry of Women and Child Development has found that factors like illiteracy, lack of skills, poverty, ill treatment by family, desertion by spouse etc are some of the socio-economic aspects of human trafficking for prostitutions.

(g) The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (ITPA) supplemented by the Indian Penal Code prohibits trafficking in human beings for purpose of prostitution and lays down severe penalties for trafficking. The ITPA is now being further amended providing for more stringent punishment for trafficking in persons. The amended Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha on 22nd May, 2006 and is now under the examination of the Ministry related Parliamentary Standing Committee. A pilot project on combating trafficking of women and children for sexual exploitation is also being implemented. The Central Advisory Committee on combating Child Prostitution headed by Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India reviews quarterly the State’s activities in combating trafficking and prostitution. The Ministry also conducted advocacy, awareness generation, sensitization programmes for prevention of trafficking.