RANCHI, Mar 28: Chief Minister Raghubar Das today said Jharkhand would soon have an anti-trafficking act that would also allow seizure of land bought through money from human trafficking.
“Chhatisgarh and Delhi have anti-trafficking acts (Placement Agency Act). We will also make an Act in 2015/16 to stop human trafficking that not only exploits people economically but also exploits them mentally and physically,” Das said.
He also lauded efforts by the US and NGO ‘Shakti Vahini’ in combating human trafficking and said the state government would support them in their effort.
He was addressing the second and last day of the 4th annual ‘Anti-Trafficking in Persons Conclave’ here in the presence of US Consul General Helen LaFave and other dignitaries.
Praising Das’ commitment to end trafficking, LaFave said getting registration act for placements agencies is a key part of dealing with trafficking.
Das said, “I have come to know that brokers give their victims only Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 (per month as salary) instead of the actual promise of Rs 12,000-Rs 13,000, pocketing the rest amount.
“There are also reports that brokers have purchased land through the ill-gotten money. There will be an Act which will allow seizure of such land. Schools and training centres will be constructed on the seized land,” Das added.
He, however, did not elaborate whether the act would also cover seizing property hoarded through other corrupt means.
Lamenting that human trafficking is rampant in districts like Khunti, Simdega, West Singhbhum, Lohardaga and Gumla, the chief minister attributed it to illiteracy and poverty.
“No parents want to send their children to metros for jobs. But illiteracy and poverty force them to…So the government is pursuing Skill Development Mission to make the youth skilled and get jobs in the state itself,” Das said.
Indirectly referring to “weak implementation” of the existing laws in controlling trafficking, Das said laws should be sternly implemented to end “the stain on humanity”.
Persisting with his demand to the private and public sectors to share two per cent of their total CSR funds on social welfare as per government’s welfare proposals, Das said the funds could also be utilised in curbing human trafficking.
“The people have the right to know about 2 per cent of CSR expenditure of both private and public sectors,” Das said.
“A CSR Trust will be set up,” Das added.
He lamented that 37 ITIs are not functioning because no one is there to run them. So, a part of the 2 per cent CSR funds could be utilised to run them (if agreed to by the corporate sector), he added. (PTI)
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel