Recent data has unveiled a distressing trend in Odisha: between 2020 and 2024, 36,420 women and 8,403 children were reported missing, with 421 women and girls falling prey to cross-border trafficking. In response, the Odisha government, law enforcement agencies, and various organizations have intensified efforts to combat human trafficking and rescue victims.
Government Initiatives and Collaborative Efforts
The Odisha government has implemented a comprehensive policy addressing multiple facets of human trafficking, including prevention, intelligence sharing, rescue operations, rehabilitation, economic empowerment, healthcare, education, housing, legal reforms, and the establishment of a dedicated fund to tackle trafficking issues.
A pivotal component of this strategy is the establishment of Integrated Anti-Human Trafficking Units (IAHTUs) across the state. These units focus on:
· Ensuring dedicated attention to human trafficking offenses.
· Facilitating a multidisciplinary approach through collaboration among government bodies, police, prosecutors, NGOs, civil society, and the media.
· Promoting inter-departmental cooperation between law enforcement and other governmental agencies, such as the Women and Child Development Department.
Notable Rescue Operations
In recent years, several significant rescue operations have underscored the commitment to combating trafficking:
· November 2024: A 17-year-old Bangladeshi girl was rescued in Cuttack. She had been trafficked into India and subjected to exploitation. Authorities arrested five individuals connected to the trafficking network.
· December 2024: Eleven children, including nine minor girls from Nabarangpur, Odisha, were rescued at Visakhapatnam railway station. They were being trafficked to Tamil Nadu for labor exploitation. The trafficker was apprehended, and the children were safely returned to their families.
· September to November 2022: Odisha police intercepted 707 individuals from being trafficked and arrested over 65 traffickers. This proactive approach highlights the government’s increasing commitment to addressing human trafficking.
Awareness and Prevention Initiatives
Beyond rescue operations, awareness campaigns play a crucial role in prevention. In late 2024, a 10-day bicycle rally traversed over 900 miles across Odisha, aiming to raise awareness about human trafficking and bonded labor in vulnerable communities. This initiative reached over 5,000 individuals, educating them about the dangers of trafficking and the importance of vigilance.
The alarming statistics of missing women and children in Odisha underscore the critical need for sustained and collaborative efforts to combat human trafficking. Through comprehensive policies, dedicated anti-trafficking units, successful rescue missions, and widespread awareness campaigns, the Odisha government, in partnership with various organizations, continues to make significant strides in addressing this pressing issue.
(With inputs from agencies)
