The challenge lies in the absence of a proper intervention model. A national-level research study in India on the issue of sex trafficking was conducted by Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai between 1994 and 1997. Mr. Arun Pandey, one of the founding members of ARZ, was the lead researcher of this study. He, along with his colleague, Ms. Zarine Chinvala, conceptualized in 1997 a model focusing on “mukti,” which in English means “freedom.” They believed that the Mukti model provides for comprehensive interventions that can break the market of CSA by preventing new entries, enabling the exit of those being exploited, and prosecuting exploiters.
They decided to test the Mukti model in Baina, a red-light area of Goa and a hub for CSA. The work began in 1998.
Over the past 25 years, the model has evolved with changing trends and phenomena, leading to successful interventions. The primary goal remains the eradication of CSE, with the model’s philosophy guiding actionable strategies for implementation.
Founding Principles of the Mukti Model can be summarized as follows:
The Mukti model emphasizes the importance of criminalizing demand as a crucial step toward ending CSE. According to it, perpetrators include not only those who directly profit from the sex trade, such as traffickers, pimps, brothel keepers, and sex buyers, but also those who benefit indirectly. This second group includes the owners of hotels, lodges, bars, and massage parlors; individuals involved in transporting or housing trafficked victims; those who assist in soliciting, such as waiters in bars; and even families who knowingly rely on the earnings of individuals forced into prostitution.
The model advocates for the decriminalization of individuals involved in prostitution and their recognition as victims of CSE. Treating them solely as offenders pushes them further into the margins of society. Arresting them often results in their continued involvement in the trade, as pimps or traffickers typically bail them out, forcing them into further exploitation to repay the debt. In addition to legally recognizing prostituted individuals as victims, the model calls for victim-friendly practices in other aspects of the law and design of interventions.
The core philosophy of the Mukti model asserts that CSE is a severe violation of human rights, making it essential to formulate policies that protect these rights.
It advocates for policies that prevent vulnerabilities leading to CSE, requiring the government to provide shelter, education, skill training, employment opportunities, and access to healthcare. Additionally, every individual has the right to exit prostitution, and there should be provisions and schemes that facilitate this exit and offer rehabilitation. The philosophy also emphasizes that victims should not be treated as offenders—their rights must be protected and they should be treated with dignity and respect. This applies even to women who “voluntarily” engage in prostitution.
The Mukti model emphasizes that sustainable anti-trafficking efforts require the socioeconomic upliftment of vulnerable communities. It highlights the need to work not only with trafficked victims and women in prostitution but also with their families, addressing the root causes that lead to exploitation. By identifying and supporting at-risk communities through education, skill building, and livelihood opportunities, the cycle of vulnerability can be broken, ensuring that prevention, rescue, and rehabilitation efforts are both effective and long-lasting.
Government policies and schemes should aim to reduce discrimination based on gender, caste, class, religion, and region. Additionally, welfare provisions should be designed to avoid regional bias, considering the high rate of interregional trafficking within India.
It is crucial to have a strong legal framework to effectively address sex trafficking. This requires comprehensive laws that decriminalize prostituted individuals while criminalizing the buying and selling of individuals and the act of profiting from their exploitation. Once such laws are in place, law enforcement agencies must receive specialized training to ensure proper implementation. A common issue is that the main trafficker or kingpin often evades capture, especially with the increasing prevalence of online CSE. Law enforcement personnel must be trained to gather information from victims and take appropriate action. Additionally, they should be equipped to apply the law in ways that prioritize the victims’ well-being.
Government and non-governmental agencies working with victims of CSE and their families should ensure that they are able to participate fully in democracy. This includes enabling them to vote and exercise their rights. Ensuring their involvement in the lawmaking process and the development of schemes that significantly improve their lives is crucial for the success and sustainability of these initiatives.
Under the Mukti model, action-based research and documentation play a crucial role. Interventions are proposed based on empirical data collected through extensive research and the documentation of the implementation process. The success of the implementation of laws and schemes and the participation of the victim depend on the capacity and sensitivity of service providers. Therefore, the service providers must be offered training or refresher courses to build their skills and capacity in addressing the complex problem of sex trafficking.