Bihar Leads India in Trafficking Rescues, Unveils New Anti-Trafficking Initiative

Bihar, a state in India, has emerged as a hotspot for human trafficking, with the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data for 2022 showing the state ranking third in the country with 260 such cases. However, the state has also led the nation in the number of minors rescued from trafficking.

To address this growing menace, the Bihar police, social welfare department, and various organizations have intensified their efforts to curb the crime and aid in the rehabilitation of victims. While trafficking cases continue to rise, the increasing number of rescues offers a glimmer of hope.

The state government has put in place several mechanisms to tackle the issue. Each district has an Anti-Human Trafficking Committee headed by the district magistrate, and an Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (AHTTF) led by the DSP (headquarters). These task forces conduct raids and rescue operations based on confidential inputs, often in collaboration with agencies like the Child Helpline, GRP, and RPF.

To further strengthen the crackdown, the Bihar Police have announced a new initiative called "Naya Savera", a state-wide fortnight-long mission to rescue trafficked minors from July 31 to August 14, 2023. Additionally, a state-level workshop on human trafficking will be held at Sardar Patel Bhavan, Patna, on the eve of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30, 2023.

Despite these efforts, challenges remain, including the lack of timely information, coordination between stakeholder agencies, and the difficulty in rehabilitating rescued children, particularly when families are unwilling to cooperate. The authorities are working to address these issues and provide a safe and supportive environment for the victims.