Sex Workers

Sex workers in Ganga Jamuna's red-light district rejoiced after Supreme Court ordered police officers throughout India to treat them with respect and refrain from physically or verbally abusing them. According to court, police cannot intervene or take criminal action if the sex worker is an adult who is engaged with consent. Sex workers claimed it was a pleasant respite after struggling to earn a living for the past ten months. 

Durbar Mahila Coordination Committee, the largest organisation of sex workers in West Bengal, celebrated Holi on March 18. "The sex workers cannot go out and celebrate the festivals with other community so every year we organize various celebrations in Songachi red-light area," Bishakha Lasker said. Meanwhile, sex workers and children come together to play Holi. "We want them to live a life like all normal people," said Satabdi Das. 

Maharashtra government has earmarked over Rs.51 crores for 30,901 sex workers in the state. The women across 32 districts will be benefitted with Rs.5,000/month and those having school-going children will be provided extra Rs.2,500. They are being aided under the Supreme Court’s guideline and fund distributed from CMs Relief Fund.  Government has advised to setup district-wise committees for women and child development under guidance of… read-more