Call to combat trafficking

Vijayawada: The principal secretary to government- roads and buildings and transport department- Sumita Dawra, said that the government representatives, officials, representatives of voluntary organisations and police should strive to combat girls trafficking.

She was the chief guest at the workshop organised by roads and buildings and transport department here on Friday. She said that the government departments, voluntary organisations, educational department and police would jointly work together to combat girls trafficking.

State women and child welfare department secretary Aparna Upadhyayula said that girl trafficking in the state was alarming and the girls were lured and are being sent to Gulf countries. The poor and hapless women and girls were falling prey for the sexual exploitation and trafficking. She said that trafficking can be prevented with the coordination of government departments, voluntary organisations and police, she said.

APSRTC MD Malakondaiah said that girls free bus pass age limit was extended from 12 to 18. He further stated that awareness programmes would be conducted to bus conductors on trafficking and programmes would be held at all main bus stations.

UNICEF representative Murali Krishna said that a five-year plan with important topics of the workshop, advices, suggestions, references would be incorporated and a tough plan would be framed. He said that strict measures should be followed by the transport departments at railway station, bus station for women and girls trafficking, he said.