The state Assembly today passed the Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Bill, 2010, which provides for regulation of travel agents to check their illegal activities in Punjab, where cases of organised human trafficking are on the rise. As per the Bill, every travel agent will now have to obtain a licence from the competent authority, who would be an officer appointed by the state government through a notification.

They will have to obtain the licence within a period of 60 days from the date the Act comes into force. In case an agent fails to start work within three months of the issuance of the licence, his licence will be cancelled. The agents should have a minimum qualification of matriculation or its equivalent from a recognised university or institution. If he opens a new branch or office, he will have inform the competent authority. The licence of a person convicted by the court will be cancelled.

To tighten the noose around those who lure youths through advertisements, the Bill makes it mandatory for them to take permission from the competent authority before issuing an advert or holding a seminar. An executive magistrate or gazetted police officer can search the premises and conveyance of the agent and even arrest him. Besides, a police officer not below the rank of a sub-inspector would conduct investigation, which will have to be completed withing two months from the day of receiving information.

The Bill will apply to those who wrongfully allure people for permanent emigration, educational consultancy, work permit, tourist trip, medical treatment, cultural shows, preaching religion, sports events and illegal matrimonial alliances among other offenses.

The punishment would be rigorous imprisonment of three to 10 years with a fine, depending on the nature of the offence. There is also a provision for compensation to the aggrieved party.

Dy CM Sukhbir Badal said that as per inputs received from various Central agencies, the ISI was pressurising terrorist outfits working outside Pakistan to carry out activities in India, especially Punjab. The leaders of extremist groups living abroad were also trying to attack leaders in Punjab. He said a need was, therefore, felt to frame a legislation to provide for constitution and regulation of an armed force in Punjab for combating terrorist and naxal activities and providing security to highly-threatened persons. This force will be called Special Security Group.

Sukhbir said the Bill was needed to check incidents of violent demonstrations and damage to public and private property. The Bill has provision of recovering amount for damages, besides severe punishment which is non-bailable. The Opposition walked out when these two Bills were being discussed.

Source