Odisha Formulates Survivor-Centred Anti-Human Trafficking Policy

The Government of Odisha announced the drafting of a comprehensive Anti-Human Trafficking Policy aimed at fundamentally restructuring state law enforcement from a traditional reactive policing model into a systemic, survivor-centred governance framework.

Despite high volumes of trafficking cases reported across interstate migration routes, historic conviction rates under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act and relevant IPC sections remained low. Victims often faced social stigma, secondary trauma during legal proceedings, and inadequate long-term socio-economic rehabilitation.

The new policy institutes dedicated Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) across all districts, standardizes witness protection protocols, ensures victim compensation funds, and creates legal support networks for survivors. It integrates inter-departmental efforts across social welfare, labor, and law enforcement agencies.

Human trafficking governance is a key theme under fundamental rights and social welfare. Aspirants should review Article 23 (Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labor), statutory provisions under ITPA 1956, and state policy initiatives targetting social justice.