Sex workers to turn tech-savvy

NEW DELHI: Taking a different approach to the rehabilitation of commercial sex workers (CSWs) and victims of human trafficking, the government is encouraging corporates to train them in computers, housekeeping and other skill-based programmes.

Union Minister for Women and Child Development Renuka Choudhury is planning to hold a meeting with industry representatives on December 5. However, sources in the ministry said a Memorandum of Understanding will be signed between the government and the corporate sector clearly outlining the deliverables.

“Previous skill development schemes seem be outdated now with machines, computers and new job avenues calling for new skill sets. The private sector can easily accommodate these victims,” said an official.

Taking the lead, Microsoft Corporation India Pvt Ltd on Wednesday announced a grant of Rs2.2 crore to the Hyderabad-based Child and Police project (CAP) to provide IT training to victims of human trafficking as well as communities vulnerable to trafficking. Microsoft will extend the benefits of IT to nearly 40,000 people over the next three years.

About 95 Community Technology Learning Centres (CTLCs) across key urban and semi-urban centres in India will be set up. Places like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Vietnam will also have CLTCs.