In a significant development, the ruling Congress Government in Karnataka has decided to set up a panel for the welfare of sex workers in the State. The panel is expected to study the problems faced by sex workers in the State and also give solutions to their problems.
According to Karnataka Minister for Women and Child Welfare Umashree, “The Government, in a day or two, will form a panel to study the plight of sex workers across Karnataka. The committee will look into the challenges and sufferings of sex workers and submit a report to the Government as soon as possible.”
Bhagyalakshmi, CEO of Mysore-based Ahodaya Samithi a sex workers’ collective and community-based organisation, welcomed the decision of the Government but, feels the panel must include sex workers as members to decide and understand their needs. She said the committee should include in its purview problems faced by female sex workers, male sex workers and transgenders in the State.
The panel will offer solutions in terms of rehabilitation and legal aid to sex workers, but Umashree declined to make any concrete statement on legalising prostitution in the State in the backdrop of some religious leaders and politicians, including former law Minister MC Nanaiah favouring wider discussion on the matter.
“The question of legalising prostitution will only arise after the panel submits its report,” she said. “The issue is sensitive and there have been differences among several eminent people on the issue,” she said.
Nanaiah, who is also chairman of an expert committee, had suggested wider discussion on legalising prostitution to prevent crimes against women, including rape. Noted writers and religious leaders, including Nisar Ahmed and Mathe Mahadevi, had urged legalising prostitution as has been done in many countries.