Punjab to pass anti-trafficking bill in next assembly session

In a move to check unauthorised travel agents and illegal immigrations, the Punjab government has decided to pass the Prevention of Human Smuggling Bill in the next assembly session.

In a move to check unauthorised travel agents and illegal immigrations, the Punjab government has decided to pass the Prevention of Human Smuggling Bill in the next assembly session.

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The state government had earlier passed the Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Bill in October 2010, which is still pending with the President's office. The Union Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs had suggested some amendments in the Bill before it gets President's assent.

On Thursday, the Punjab and Haryana high court was informed that through correspondence dated March 9, Punjab home department has requested the Union Home Ministry to send back the 2010 Bill as the state government had agreed to incorporate the amendments suggested by the central government.

After the proposed Bill gets the shape of an Act, all the immigration agents in the state would have to apply for licence to the competent authority to be decided by the state government.