Assam Government Steps Up Fight Against Human Trafficking, Witch-Hunting with New Policy

Assam government stressed that human trafficking and witch-hunting are serious problems deeply rooted in society.

The Assam government has taken a major step to fight human trafficking and witch-hunting by notifying a new state policy today.

The policy aims to protect people from these serious crimes and ensure that every individual in Assam can live a life of dignity, free from abuse and discrimination.

The notification issued by an order of the governor on May 6 stated that the policy will come into force from the date of its publication in the official gazette.

The mission is to provide safety and equal opportunities for all, regardless of age, sex, or gender, by making sure people can access their rights and live free from violence through the combined efforts of various government departments.

Main Objectives of the Policy are:

• To take proactive and coordinated steps to prevent human trafficking and witch-hunting.
• To ensure a victim-friendly approach in helping survivors with rescue, rehabilitation, and support.
• To establish strong coordination among different departments for planned actions like rescue and reintegration of victims.
• To make sure there is proper monitoring and accountability at every stage rescue, rehabilitation, and legal action.
• To address root causes like lack of education, healthcare, sanitation, and access to justice in areas where witch-hunting is common.
• To tackle gender-based discrimination and strengthen anti-trafficking measures.

The Department of Women and Child Development will be the Nodal Department to implement this policy.

The government stressed that human trafficking and witch-hunting are serious problems deeply rooted in society, and only joint efforts by multiple departments can effectively deal with them.

The policy also mentions that Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs), already set up in each district by the Ministry of Home Affairs, will be responsible for rescuing victims and investigating trafficking cases.

At the district level, a senior police officer, not below the rank of DSP, will be designated to handle trafficking cases, including child trafficking.

The state will also appoint a State Anti-Human Trafficking Nodal Officer and similar nodal officers at the district level to coordinate efforts.

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