Data mismatch in rehabilitation of survivors in Andhra
Vijayawada: Discrepancies in the rehabilitation data of trafficking survivors recorded in Andhra Pradesh and the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) highlight worrying gaps in the data reported at the national level. Vimukti, an NGO and survivor-led platform committed to improving the lives of survivors conducted a study on ‘Status of Rehabilitation Services in Shelter Homes for Survivors of Human Trafficking in Andhra Pradesh’ , which highlights important support issues. It used RTI to collect data from the Andhra Pradesh Women and Child Development Department.
According to the study, RTI records show that 2,737 victims were rehabilitated between 2019 and 2022, while NCRB data shows a much lower figure of 1,672 victims rescued in Andhra Pradesh during the same period.
Apart from this revelation, the study also revealed that there are currently a total of 33 shelter homes in the state, including 21 Swadhar Homes, five under the Ujjwala scheme and seven Bal Sadan Homes, which are exclusively for children under 18 years of age. Take care of children. However, these homes face significant challenges. To provide adequate assistance and services to survivors.
It is noteworthy that through an executive order, the state government has made it mandatory to provide immediate compensation of Rs 20,000 to the victims. Based on RTI responses it was observed that a total of 111 applications were filed to avail this assistance, however, a total of 132 survivors were provided immediate compensation. This shows that despite a large number of survivors being provided shelter in the homes, only 4% of the survivors were assisted by the homes in filing interim compensation.
Regarding rehabilitation services, 692 survivors sought assistance, 592 successfully received social rights and support services and 58 applications are still awaiting government approval. This underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to ensure that survivors of human trafficking receive the support and resources they desperately need to rebuild their lives. RTI responses also reveal a significant lack of legal aid for survivors. Of the 2,737 seeking support, only 119 had filed applications with the DLSA. However, only 37 received assistance, indicating that only 4.4% sought assistance, with only 30% of applicants receiving assistance.
Of the 2,737 victims, 117 were sent to the police for statements. Statements of only 67 were recorded by the magistrate, i.e. 4.2% assisted in recording. Statements of 57% of the referred survivors were recorded.
Vimukti has proposed key recommendations to improve rehabilitation services for survivors, such as implementing community-based rehabilitation (CBR), establishing a victim tracking registry and improving access to relief, medical, legal aid and vocational training. To provide facilities.
Speaking to TNIE, Vimukti President Mandru underlined the role of shelter homes in actively assisting survivors in accessing vital services, empowering them towards self-reliance.
The state has ordered immediate assistance of Rs 20,000 to the victim.
Based on RTI responses it was observed that a total of 111 applications were filed to avail immediate compensation of Rs 20,000, however, a total of 132 survivors were provided assistance. This shows that despite a large number of survivors being provided shelter in homes, only 4% of survivors were provided assistance by homes
