Supported by SARI/Equity PRERANA in partnership with SNATCH, a local NGO, organized a consultation in Raipur for the dissemination and adoption/application of the Regional Minimum Standards Protocol; Victim Witness Protection Protocol; and the Resource Book on Livelihood Options – three “products” conceived by regional platforms of experts from government, civil society, academia and the judiciary (“Regional Action Forums”). Representatives from the Departments of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare, the District Administration; senior officials from the State Police; and NGOs participated. Mrs. Sudha Verma, Chairperson of the State Women’s Commission and Chief Guest appreciated the “availability” of the two Regional Protocols and expressed readiness to join hands with the voluntary sector to get them applied and eventually counter the problem of trafficking-in-persons. She urged the organizers to submit a plan of action to her at the end of the two-day consultation.

Participants emphasized the need to increase the number of state-run shelter homes in every district of Chattisgarh. In this respect they agreed that the Minimum Standards Protocol should be regarded as a “yardstick” for assessing the shelter care services. They also agreed to establish a “District Level Anti-Trafficking Committee” under the Chairmanship of the District Collector - to include the Department of Women and Child Welfare; Police; Judiciary; and NGOs.

The highlights of the proceedings were shared at a Press Conference held at the conclusion of the two-day meeting.