Latest news with #VIMUKTHI
New Indian Express
30-07-2025
- New Indian Express
Survivors demands concrete action to check human trafficking in Andhra
VIJAYAWADA: On the eve of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2025, survivors of human trafficking gathered at the Press Club in Vijayawada to demand stronger state action and effective Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) across Andhra Pradesh. The event was organized by ATSEC - Andhra Pradesh Chapter, in collaboration with VIMUKTHI, HELP, RHEDS, and GUIDE, voluntary organisations. Apoorva, President of VIMUKTHI, State Federation of Women Survivors of Trafficking, acknowledged the government's efforts but emphasized that a trafficking-free state can only be achieved if AHTUs are fully empowered with a survivor-centered approach. 'Punishing traffickers must go hand in hand with ensuring compensation, protection, and rehabilitation for survivors. AHTUs must not just exist in name but be equipped to act,' she said. According to NCRB data (2016-2022), Andhra Pradesh registered 1,396 IPC cases and rescued 2,119 victims, while 594 cases under ITPA led to 771 rescues. However, 109 convictions were recorded, reflecting a conviction rate of just 8%, which exposes gaps in justice delivery. Speakers highlighted that only 13 of the state's 26 districts have notified AHTUs, and even these lack the independence to handle trafficking cases effectively. Lakshmi, Treasurer of VIMUKTHI, urged the government to dismantle trafficking networks by ensuring strong law enforcement, cutting illicit profits, and providing survivor-focused support systems.
New Indian Express
03-06-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
VIMUKTHI urges Andhra Pradesh government to implement pending welfare schemes for sex workers
VIJAYAWADA: Marking International Sex Workers' Rights Day, VIMUKTHI—the State Federation of Women Survivors of Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Human Trafficking—called on the State government to urgently implement long-pending rehabilitation and welfare measures for over 1.33 lakh sex workers and survivors. At a State-level meeting held in Vijayawada, VIMUKTHI President Apoorva cited Ministry of Health data stating Andhra Pradesh has the highest number of women engaged in sex work, affecting nearly 2.25 lakh family members. APSACS data from 2022 shows over 40,000 sex workers in the State are above 40 and unable to exit the profession due to lack of alternative livelihoods. Executive Committee Member Shanti criticised the non-implementation of crucial policies, including once hailed as a pioneering anti-trafficking framework during the tenure of then Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. She noted that policies such as (interim relief) and (compensation) have also been ignored. Between 2016 and 2022, 2,460 survivors were rescued, yet 90% received no support. RTI data revealed only 592 of 2,737 survivors in shelter homes received services. Of the Rs 12 crore allocated for compensation, less than Rs 20 lakh has been used. VIMUKTHI demanded a shift to community-based rehabilitation.
