Latest news with #Vimukthi
Hans India
4 days ago
- Hans India
Protect rights of sex workers, trafficked women
Vijayawada: Vimukthi, the State Federation of Women Survivors of Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Human Trafficking, has called on the State government to protect the rights of nearly 1.33 lakh sex workers and trafficking survivors in the State. The Federation demands community-based rehabilitation programmes, legal compensation, and inclusion under all relevant welfare schemes. Apoorva, president of Vimukthi, voiced the demand during a State-level meeting held on the occasion of International Sex Workers' Rights Day here on Monday. International Sex Workers' Rights Day is observed on June 2 globally, commemorating the 1975 protest by sex workers in Belgium demanding safety, dignity, and recognition. Citing the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare's 2021–22 annual report, Apoorva stated that AP has the highest number of women in sex work in India, with over 1.33 lakh women dependent on this livelihood. Approximately 2.25 lakh family members rely on them. Including migrant sex workers, the actual number may be even higher. According to APSACS (2022), over 40,000 sex workers in the state are above the age of 40 and unable to exit the profession due to lack of alternate livelihoods. In Krishna, Guntur and Prakasam districts, over 35,000 women are engaged in sex work, supporting around 64,000 dependents, including 14,400 elderly women. These women face intense social stigma, loneliness, and mental distress, compounded by poverty and exclusion from state welfare schemes. Through RTI, Vimukthi found that 2,737 survivors were housed in rehabilitation centres between 2019 and June 2023 of whom 2,265 in Ujjwala home, 447 in Swadhar homes and 25 victims in the homes run by NGOs. Yet, only 692 applied for services, and just 592 received any support—a mere 22 percent service coverage. The government of Andhra Pradesh issued orders in 2018 for victim compensation. But only five compensation applications were submitted State- wide (all from Machilipatnam), despite 2,890 registered trafficking cases in between 2016-22. Though Rs 12+ crore is available under the compensation fund, less than Rs 20 lakh has been spent on trafficking survivors. HELP Secretary Rammohan Nimmaraju, Programme Manager Bhaskar and Project Manager Pavan Kumar also participated.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Sex workers urge government to provide alternative livelihood, extend financial support
Members of the State Federation of Women Survivors of Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Human Trafficking have appealed to the government to provide compensation, healthcare, and education support for their children. The federation urged the government to implement community-based rehabilitation programs and extend welfare schemes to support their reintegration into society. According to Apoorva, President of the NGO Vimukthi, which fights for the rights of trafficked survivors in the State, there are about 1.33 lakh sex workers and survivors of trafficking in Andhra Pradesh. Speaking at a programme held on International Sex Workers' Rights Day on Monday, Vimukthi executive committee member, Shanti, expressed concern over the poor implementation of government orders intended to protect the rights of sex workers and their families. Ms. Apoorva asked the government to facilitate the formation of self-help groups (SHGs) among the survivors and provide access to loans for them through the APSACS, DRDA, and MEPMA and create opportunities for alternative livelihoods. The programme was attended by HELP, secretary Ram Mohan Nimmaraju, programme manager Bhaskar, Vimukthi project manager Pavan Kumar and others.
New Indian Express
10-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Enforcement agencies alarmed by rising drugs seizure from students in Kerala
KOCHI: With Ernakulam district continuing to top the charts in the number of narcotic cases reported annually, a growing concern is the rising abuse of drugs and addictive substances among school students. In the 2024–25 academic year, Ernakulam reported the highest number of incidents of students getting caught with drugs and other banned substances on school premises. According to data from the Education Department, eight such cases were reported in Ernakulam in 2024–25, involving substances such as drugs, liquor, cigarettes and chewing tobacco. In comparison, the district reported only four such cases in 2023–24. Across the state, a total of 16 drug-related cases involving students were recorded last academic year. After Ernakulam, Kottayam reported four cases, Alappuzha two, and Idukki and Thrissur one each. The Excise Department is working closely with schools to prevent drug use and trafficking within educational institutions. 'Schools have been instructed to report any such incidents immediately. If drugs or tobacco products are found in a student's possession, we launch a detailed investigation to trace the source,' an Excise officer said. 'It is illegal to sell tobacco products to minors. We consult with parents and teachers before offering counselling to students under the Vimukthi programme. A large number of students in the district receive de-addiction counselling through this initiative.'
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Time of India
Excise dept identifies repeat drug offenders in Ernakulam
Kochi: In an effort to strengthen drive against drug menace in Ernakulam, authorities identified repeat drug offenders . Of the 56 repeat offenders identified by excise in the district, 24 individuals were linked to more than five cases each. Authorities have now decided to target these repeat offenders with a range of stringent measures, including preventive detention, enhanced surveillance and support through de-addiction programmes. "We collected criminal histories of those involved in drug trafficking to invoke Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (PITNDPS Act) against them, which would lead to preventive detention. However, the act can be invoked only against those who have at least two medium-quantity cases or more than one commercial-quantity case under NDPS Act. More details of their cases will be collected and a detailed report on all their antecedents will be filed to govt to issue a preventive detention order against the accused," said a senior excise there is a catch. To beat the system, repeat offenders in most cases are now increasingly caught with small quantities and hence wouldn't qualify for invoking drastic measures like preventive this, excise team decided to put such offenders under continuous surveillance. "Many repeat offenders in the district are in the 20-30 age category and addicts are among them. The quantity seized from many of them is a small quantity under NDPS Act," said the sources said rehabilitation through Vimukthi is also provided to many of them, but majority are facing relapse. "Many repeat offenders are addicts and there are limits to what any agency can do in terms of follow-ups after providing de-addiction counselling. Unless there is a supporting mechanism from either friends or family, there is a high chance of them falling back into the habit," said an excise further tackle the rising issue of violence fuelled by substance abuse, enforcement authorities are planning to share critical information about individuals with criminal histories with bar and hotel operators. This initiative will allow these establishments to issue timely alerts if any offenders cause disturbances. Police assessments have shown that many violent incidents are closely linked to drug and alcohol abuse at such establishments.A meeting was recently held with bar-hotel managers at district police headquarters, where a discussion took place on preventing clashes under the influence of drugs and alcohol at such establishments. "The department is considering sharing details of those repeatedly involved in criminal cases, including their latest photo, with the management of these establishments," said a senior police officer.
The Hindu
02-05-2025
- The Hindu
Joint efforts under way to combat illegal liquor and drug sales in Kollam
The district-level monitoring committee formed to enforce the ban on arrack has demanded strict inspections to prevent the sale of liquor beyond permissible limits and drug peddling. At a meeting chaired by District Collector N. Devidas on Friday instructions were given to departments concerned to intensify surveillance. During the past two months, the Excise department conducted 2,173 raids in the district under 'Operation Clean Slate' and 272 people were arrested in 256 drug-related cases. As part of the 'Vimukthi' campaign, 201 awareness classes were held at the school level while 96 classes were organised at colleges. The committee assessed that the Excise department's vigilant efforts helped prevent the inflow of spurious liquor and reduce drug trafficking. The committee also demanded that strict action be taken against complaints of illegal liquor and drug sales in Munroe Thuruthu. In order to address the issue, it was decided to conduct joint inspections by the police and excise in Kalluvathukkal, Kallumthazham, Chathannur, Mayyanad, Mukhathala, and Karunagappally. Directions were also issued to intensify inspections in tourist centres, flats and secluded areas. While awareness sessions in schools will be made more active, inspections will be held on college hostels, railway and bus stands, and shops selling 'arishtams'. P.C. Vishnunath, MLA; Deputy Excise Commissioner M. Naushad; Assistant Excise Commissioner V.C. Baiju; and monitoring committee members attended the meeting.
