Odisha proposes radical reform in policy “Nutan Sakala” to curb trafficking of women, girls
Odisha has drafted a new state policy called “Nutan Sakala” to curb trafficking of women and girls. The policy focuses on prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnership, including community education, survivor support centres, and asset confiscation measures. It also proposes a dedicated corpus fund and stronger coordination with other states and national borders.
- ▪Odisha recorded the highest number of human trafficking victims in India for four consecutive years, with 1,475 cases in 2021 and 1,039 in 2024.
- ▪Despite having 36 Anti‑Human Trafficking Units, the state has near‑zero conviction rates, highlighting a gap between rescue and justice.
- ▪The draft policy proposes Integrated Victim Support Centres at state and district levels to provide medical care, legal aid, and psychosocial counselling.
- ▪It seeks to invoke the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and amend the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act to seize assets of trafficking networks and ensure victim compensation.
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Worried by ignominy of recording highest number of human trafficking victims in India for four consecutive years, Odisha has proposed a new State policy, “Nutan Sakala” (New Dawn), to curb trafficking of women and girls through measures from community-based prevention to confiscation of assets linked to trafficking networks.The draft copy of the policy being prepared by Women and Child Development Department has been circulated among top police brass including Director General of Police, DG (Crime Branch) and Addition DG (Crime Against Women and Child Wing) for their opinion. The policy has adopted some good practices of other States and even foreign countries.“Nutana Sakala is Odisha’s unified policy framework for addressing all forms of trafficking relating to women and girls.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Hindu.
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