Govt introduces measures to check trafficking in state

Growing instances of trafficking have stirred the state government into action. With pressure also mounting from the state women's commission, NGOs and human rights activists, the government is now looking for ways to curb trafficking.

"This may not put an end to trafficking altogether but it will at least help keep a check," said Malini Bhattacharya, member, National Women's Commission, at a seminar organised by the standing committee on women and child welfare.

The growing trend of women being lured to other states with the promise of marriage has been reported with alarming regularity in the recent past. A large number of women have been married off to residents of states like Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, where they end up as domestic helps or farm hands. Others are duped by "placement agencies" with promises of lucrative job offers.

According to experts, New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal is a major international corridor of child and women trafficking, as it provides an easy transit route to countries like Nepal and Bangladesh.

During registration, the migrant women will have to furnish all details about where they are going, the antecedents of persons accompanying them, the agent, background of placement agencies and other relevant details. A pilot project is already underway in the Murshidabad and North 24-Parganas districts. "We are keen to introduce the concept in other districts soon and in tea gardens in North Bengal," said Kanta Prasad Sinha, director of social welfare.

The Jabala Action Research Organisation in Jalangi and Beldanga blocks is implementing the project in Murshidabad and Swarupnagar Block in North 24-Parganas.