'Planning panel backing steps to end trafficking of women'

Planning Commission recognises the gross violation of human rights which the trafficking of women and children constitutes, a senior official said today while stating that, under the 12th Plan, government would intensify its efforts to check the crime.
"The 12th Plan recognises that trafficking of women and children is a gross violation of human rights. The government will intensify its efforts to prevent trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation," Planning Commission Member Syeda Hameed said today during a discussion here with a delegation led by French Minister for Women's Rights and Government Spokesperson, Najat Vallaud-Belkacem.
The discussion touched on the various issues related to the ending of gender-based inequities, discrimination and all forms of violence against girls and women.

Hameed averred that the government was serious about ending the practice of female foeticide and bettering the skewed sex ratio in the country and said the Commission supported various programmes in that direction.
Vallaud-Belkacem talked of how the French government had tackled certain problems related to women's rights in their country through the strict implementation of laws.
Planning Commission Secretary Sindhushree Khullar, too, participated in the discussions along with other senior officials.