Helpline for rescue of sex trafficking victims

BHUBANESWAR: Even as the Supreme Court has ordered the States to issue ration cards to sex workers and ensure admission of their children in Government  schools, the State Government is yet to take initiative to comply with the directive.The apex court has ordered to treat the sex workers as persons in special category by relaxing  norms for verification of their address and without mentioning their profession in the card.Since the socio-economic survey has started for identification of BPL families, official sources said that special care will be taken to incorporate them as the most disadvantaged section.The Orissa State Legal Service Authority (OSLSA) has, however, instituted a helpline as per the directive of the apex court to extend legal assistance for rescue of girls and women who were forcibly engaged in   sex trade and free legal aid to sex workers.In a recent circular, the Women and Child Development Department has requested the  collectors to give wide publicity about the helpline service offered by the Government. They have been advised to create awareness among people about the free legal aid provided OSLSA.People in need of any assistance may call helpline telephone number 0671-2307432. Besides, another helpline is set up in the office of the Principal Residence Commissioner, New Delhi with telephone number 011-24679201 (Extn-4003) and 011-2379002 (direct). One may Fax to 011-23010839 and 011-23013135. The email addresses are [email protected], [email protected] and [email protected] district collectors were advised to communicate these telephone numbers, Fax number and email addresses to Government, non-Government and public sector offices, NGOs, shelter homes, civil societies, educational institutions, block offices and gram panchayats for wide publicity.The apex court has further ordered the Central and the state governments to ensure that the admission of the children of sex workers in appropriate classes in the Government and government-sponsored schools and the schools run by  municipal and district-level authorities are not hampered in any way, because of their social status.