What Initiatives Have Been Taken to Address Sex Workers? is a key topic under Social Issues for UPSC Civil Services Examination. Key points include: Ujjawala Scheme is a comprehensive program for prevention, rescue, rehabilitation, reintegration, and repatriation of trafficking victims.. National Commission for Women (NCW) protects rights of women in the sex industry.. National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) recognizes sex workers as informal workers, advocating for their labor rights.. Understanding this topic is essential for both UPSC Prelims and Mains preparation.
What Initiatives Have Been Taken to Address Sex Workers? is a Medium-level topic in UPSC Social Issues. It is tested in both Prelims (factual MCQs) and Mains (analytical answer writing). Previous year UPSC questions have frequently covered aspects of What Initiatives Have Been Taken to Address Sex Workers?, making it essential for comprehensive IAS preparation.
To prepare What Initiatives Have Been Taken to Address Sex Workers? for UPSC: (1) Study the comprehensive notes covering all key concepts on Vaidra. (2) Practice previous year questions on this topic. (3) Connect it with current affairs using daily updates. (4) Revise using key takeaways and mind maps available for Social Issues. (5) Write practice answers linking What Initiatives Have Been Taken to Address Sex Workers? to related GS Paper topics.

The issue of sex workers and their rights is a complex social challenge in India. Various initiatives have been launched by the government and judicial bodies to address their exploitation, ensure rehabilitation, and protect their fundamental human rights.
The Ministry of Women and Child Development implements the “Ujjawala” Scheme. This initiative is designed as a comprehensive program to combat human trafficking, particularly for commercial sexual exploitation.
Ujjawala Scheme Objectives:
This scheme focuses on a holistic approach to support victims at every stage.
The establishment of the National Commission for Women (NCW) signifies the government's commitment to safeguarding the rights of all women, including those involved in prostitution. The NCW works towards ensuring legal and social protection.
The NCW's mandate includes protecting the rights of women and girls who are part of the sex industry, advocating for their welfare, and addressing grievances related to exploitation and discrimination.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has played a crucial role in recognizing the dignity and rights of sex workers. This recognition is a significant step towards their social and economic inclusion.
The NHRC officially recognized sex workers as informal workers. This acknowledgment is vital for extending labor rights and social security benefits to this vulnerable group, bringing them under the purview of formal recognition.
The judiciary has also intervened to protect the rights of sex workers. The Supreme Court of India has issued directives urging governmental action against exploitation and considering regulatory frameworks.
In 2018, the Supreme Court urged the government to take proactive steps against the exploitation of women in the sex industry. It also suggested exploring the possibility of legalization in specific locations, coupled with rigorous regulation, to mitigate risks and protect rights. This highlights a shift towards a more pragmatic and rights-based approach.


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