Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) implementation unit personnel of Government of Jharkhand in collaboration with two NGOs rescued 51 human trafficking survivors from New Delhi. All these human trafficking survivors were brought back to Jharkhand on Monday afternoon. Out of 51 rescued trafficking survivors, 14 are boys while 32 are adolescent girls. According to sources, five women have been also saved from the nexus along with the children.
The personnel of ICPS have begun its search operation after collecting the details of minors from different sources where NGOs played a pivotal role in gathering the evidences. ICPS implementing unit that works under the Department of Women, Children and Social Welfare has been conducting series of rescue operations to bring the trafficked minors back to their State since quite some time either independently or in association with some NGOs.
ICPS Director, Rajesh Singh, said, “This was a routine exercise. The department was approached by the NGOs for assisting them in the rescue operation. Around 51 children have been brought back. After verifying the details, children were sent to their respective districts while some have been sent to shelter homes.”
While the efforts are being put to bring all the trafficking survivors to the mainstream, proper rehabilitation programme to boost up the morale of the rescued kids remains a distant dream.
“Multiple strategies for prevention of such incidents involving the civil society members are being planned. In the first of its kind attempt, a dedicated programme will be organized for the trafficking survivors where girls from different States will be invited to share their thoughts. Also, a few minors will write a letter to Prime Minister, Narendra Modi depicting their agony,” Singh said.
On enquiring about the role of two NGOs in this collective action plan, Singh, further added, “Action Against Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation of Children (ATSEC) has aided the ICPS unit in rescuing the minors while Save the Children has supported the team in its own way. Save the Children is working like a think tank for ICPS.”
Meanwhile, an official of Save the Children, said, “After collecting the details of the trafficked children from resource centres, the data were shared with ICPS Unit Jharkhand. After verifying the details, the team went to New Delhi and rescued the kids. At present, a few of them have been sent to ‘Premashaay’. Apart, aiding the government personnel in rescue operation, we are supporting children in rehabilitating them through different programmes.”
Similarly, ATSEC, State Head, Sanjay Mishra expressed his gratitude towards the State government’s approach in bringing back the trafficking survivors. “The government’s role here is worth commendable in rescuing the children. Anti Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU), New Delhi also assisted us. Our team received constant support of ICPS personnel during the rescue operation. The kids are mainly from Chaibasa, Ranchi, Gumla, lohardaga and Santhal Paragana districts. Presently, our focus is on building strong network of the trafficking survivors.”