The Karnataka government has enlisted the help of survivors of trafficking and slavery to track those who are yet to be rehabilitated. Strangely, the proposed Central bill on trafficking — the Lok Sabha passed it last year — advocates a centralized approach. Further, increasing punishments for trafficking — the bill endorses such an approach — would amount to little as long as socio-economic factors that lead to trafficking remain unaddressed. Education and employment are also important to integrate trafficking victims. Notwithstanding its chequered performance, Karnataka has reserved 1 per cent seats in all state-run universities for Devadasis and their children.

Source: The Telegraph July 18, 2019 03:56 UTC