SOILED SANCITY- TEMPLE TOWNS TURNING INTO "SEX TOURISM HUBS"!
New Delhi:- The search for the divine has ended at more earthly pleasures.Two independent studies have pointed to a disturbing trend that pilgrimage centres are becoming hubs for sex tourism.Alarmingly,it is children that are the most vulnerable.
A nationwide study by NGO Gram Niyojan Kendra commissioned by the ministry for women and child development that studied 68 places of tourist interest found that after major cities and places for sightseeing,pilgrim centres were a growing hub.Incidentally,the report said that domestic tourists were overwhelmingly involved in sex with commercial sex workers while foreign tourists were engaged in paedophilia and sex with minors through shortterm marriages.The study clarified that foreign tourists visiting India for sex were restricted to a few places.
A study by Bangalore-based NGO Equations earlier this year stated that increasing number of cases of child abuse were being reported from pilgrim sites like Tirupati,Guruvayoor and Puri.The study Protecting Children from Sexual Exploitation in Tourism: The Indian Context looked into exploitation of male children,but pointed out that the same was true for women,too.
Both reports have pointed to the lack of legislation at the state level or deterrent measures.Troubled by reports of violations,the Union tourism ministry is now working on a code of conduct for ethical tourism.In a high level meeting recently,the ministry decided to lay down terms and conditions involving major stakeholders like tour operators,hoteliers and taxi owners.We will,in coordination with the UNODC and NCW,work to create awareness, Sujit Banerjee,tourism secretary,said.
Among the issues that the ministry has on its agenda are cancellation of licences or registration of hotels,tour operators,tourist guides in case charges are proved against them for being party to child abuse and restrict the entry of foreigners found guilty of sexual abuse.The ministry has urged states to enact a legislation on the lines of Goa Childrens Act 2002.The ministry is also keen on sensitising state governments to create tourist police that are trained and equipped to handle the issue.
A nationwide study by NGO Gram Niyojan Kendra commissioned by the ministry for women and child development that studied 68 places of tourist interest found that after major cities and places for sightseeing,pilgrim centres were a growing hub.Incidentally,the report said that domestic tourists were overwhelmingly involved in sex with commercial sex workers while foreign tourists were engaged in paedophilia and sex with minors through shortterm marriages.The study clarified that foreign tourists visiting India for sex were restricted to a few places.
A study by Bangalore-based NGO Equations earlier this year stated that increasing number of cases of child abuse were being reported from pilgrim sites like Tirupati,Guruvayoor and Puri.The study Protecting Children from Sexual Exploitation in Tourism: The Indian Context looked into exploitation of male children,but pointed out that the same was true for women,too.
Both reports have pointed to the lack of legislation at the state level or deterrent measures.Troubled by reports of violations,the Union tourism ministry is now working on a code of conduct for ethical tourism.In a high level meeting recently,the ministry decided to lay down terms and conditions involving major stakeholders like tour operators,hoteliers and taxi owners.We will,in coordination with the UNODC and NCW,work to create awareness, Sujit Banerjee,tourism secretary,said.
Among the issues that the ministry has on its agenda are cancellation of licences or registration of hotels,tour operators,tourist guides in case charges are proved against them for being party to child abuse and restrict the entry of foreigners found guilty of sexual abuse.The ministry has urged states to enact a legislation on the lines of Goa Childrens Act 2002.The ministry is also keen on sensitising state governments to create tourist police that are trained and equipped to handle the issue.
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