Seven States cold to Centre’s crime portal

Seven States cold to Centre’s crime portal

Subject: Polity

Section

Context :

At least seven States and one Union Territory have given a cold shoulder to the Centre’s online platform meant to share information and coordinate action among law enforcement agencies on serious criminal incidents, including human trafficking, data show

The Crime Multi Agency Centre (Cri-MAC)

• The Crime Multi Agency Centre (Cri-MAC) was launched in 2020 by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to share information on crime and criminals 24×7 with various law enforcement agencies and ensure a seamless flow of information among them.
• The application run by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) aims to help in early detection and prevention of crime incidents across the country.

Relevant Laws in India

Article 23 and 24 of the Constitution of India.

• Article 23 prohibits human trafficking and begar (forced labour without payment).
• Article 24 forbids employment of children below the age of 14 years in dangerous jobs like factories and mines.

Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section:

• Section 370 and 370A of IPC provide for comprehensive measures to counter the menace of human trafficking including trafficking of children for exploitation in any form including physical exploitation or any form of sexual exploitation, slavery, servitude, or the forced removal of organs.
• Sections 372 and 373 dealing with selling and buying of girls for the purpose of prostitution.

UN Convention:

• India has ratified (in 2011) United Nations Convention on Transnational Organised Crime (UNCTOC) which among others has a Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children.