Vijayawada:A recent national survey has uncovered significant shortcomings in the Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) in Andhra Pradesh, revealing critical issues related to resources, staffing, and jurisdiction that hinder their effectiveness. Despite the Central government allocating Rs 1.6 crore each for the fiscal years 2020-21 and 2021-22 to strengthen these units, the survey, conducted by NGOs HELP and the India Working Group Against Trafficking (IWG), found persistent problems.
The survey covered districts including Guntur, Palnadu, NTR, and Prakasam, and also compared findings with regions in Rajasthan, Manipur, and Bihar. It highlighted that these areas function as both sources and destinations for trafficking, particularly for commercial sexual exploitation and forced marriages. The influx of single men seeking employment in these districts has increased the demand for commercial sexual services, further driving trafficking of women and girls.
A key concern identified was the vulnerability of younger individuals, with trafficked persons predominantly aged between 15 and 25 years. Adolescents, often lured by promises of a better lifestyle, are particularly susceptible to traffickers.
The survey noted that only three out of four AHTUs manage 1-2 trafficking cases per month, with most cases being handled by local police. Despite mandates from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Juvenile Justice Act to transfer trafficking and missing children cases to AHTUs, this practice is not effectively enforced at the district level. Additionally, low awareness of available interim compensation has led to inadequate support for victims.
The study emphasized the need for improved training for AHTUs on victim compensation to ensure victims receive necessary financial aid, which is crucial for their recovery and prevention of re-trafficking. While there has been progress in vulnerability mapping and creating trafficker databases, the information is not widely shared among police officials. The effectiveness of awareness campaigns conducted by AHTUs in schools, villages, and colleges is limited by a lack of knowledge among AHTU officers about trafficking, investigation challenges, and victim compensation schemes.
The survey also pointed out insufficient staffing, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of essential resources like vehicles and internet connectivity as major obstacles to the effective functioning of AHTUs. Officers often juggle additional responsibilities, undermining the specialized focus of these units.
HELP Secretary NVS Rammohan urged the State government to address these issues promptly to ensure AHTUs are adequately equipped to protect vulnerable populations and combat trafficking. The need for regular monitoring and the establishment of a centralized online portal for tracking trafficking cases were also highlighted as critical improvements.