Melghat, a tribal region in Maharashtra, has long struggled with issues of underdevelopment despite numerous government programs over the past seventy years. The Korku tribes of Melghat continue to face challenges in securing necessities like quality education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities. Issues related to women and child health along with child mortality persist, further exacerbated by the adverse impacts of climate change on their primary livelihood—agriculture. This scenario often forces families to migrate to cities in search of work, exposing them to the risks of human trafficking.

In response to these pressing challenges, the collaborative efforts of civil society organizations (CSOs) have become a ray of hope for the integrated development of the Melghat region. Among these initiatives, the SABAL program by Caritas India stands out as a pivotal force, fostering unity among various organizations to combat these deep-rooted issues.

On July 5, 2024, the Regional Assembly of the CSO Network against Human Trafficking was held at Jeevan Vikas Sanstha (JVS) in Parathwada, Maharashtra. This significant event, organized in collaboration with SABAL Partners, Matru Schaya Social Welfare Society, Bhandaraj, Jeevan Vikas Sanstha, and Dayasagar Social Centre Ranigram, focused on addressing the critical issue of human trafficking in the Melghat region of Amravati and Akola Districts.

The assembly began with a solemn prayer and the lighting of the lamp by dignitaries, symbolizing the collective illumination of minds towards a noble cause. Mr. Nitin Jamnik, the Assistant Lead from Caritas India, and Dr. Mukund Deshmukh welcomed all participants, setting the stage for a day of insightful discussions and collaborations. Adv. Sr. Hira Parkhe, Director of MSSC, warmly welcomed the resource person, Dr. Dilip Kale, acknowledging his invaluable contribution to the field.

Dr. Mukund Deshmukh provided a brief overview of the meeting’s objectives, emphasizing the importance of networking in addressing grassroots needs, sharing best practices, and strengthening the advocacy capabilities of NGOs. The primary aim of the meeting was to devise actionable strategies to combat human trafficking in the Melghat region.

A highlight of the event was the participation of Mr. Anson Thomas, a national-level hockey player-turned-customs officer-turned-social activist-turned-film actor, who shared his experiences and insights on combating human trafficking. His session was both informative and deeply inspiring, offering practical solutions and motivating participants to take a proactive stance against trafficking.

Dr. Dilip Kale, former principal of the Social Work College of Amravati and chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee of Amravati, also addressed the gathering. Dr. Kale, an expert in human trafficking, shared his knowledge and experiences, providing a comprehensive understanding of the issue and suggesting possible actions for further intervention.

The participants, representing over 15 NGOs, were encouraged by the insights provided by both speakers. Their dedication to the cause left a lasting impact, fostering a sense of empowerment and urgency to address human trafficking. The assembly also provided a platform for participants to share their experiences and observations, enhancing the collaborative approach to devising actionable plans to combat trafficking in the region.

The meeting concluded with an emphasis on the need for CSOs to adapt their initiatives to address evolving social problems. Dr. Dilip Kale’s words resonated deeply with the participants, highlighting the hidden forms of human trafficking in Melghat and the necessity for increased awareness and expertise among vulnerable groups.

“Civil society organizations must adapt to the changing social problems and situations. Representatives of CSOs must take note of the hidden forms of human trafficking that occur in Melghat and work towards creating more awareness among vulnerable groups. By increasing our knowledge and expertise on human trafficking, we can face these challenges and work towards eliminating this issue from our society,” said Dr. Dilip Kale.

The collaborative efforts of CSOs exemplify the power of unity and collective action in addressing the development challenges of the Melghat region. By bringing together various organizations on a common platform, this initiative not only addresses immediate issues like human trafficking but also paves the way for the holistic development of the region.

The Regional Assembly of the CSO Network against Human Trafficking marked a significant step towards empowering the tribal communities of Melghat. It highlighted the crucial role of collaboration in tackling complex social issues and showcased the commitment of civil society in fostering sustainable development. Through continued collective efforts, there is hope for a brighter, safer future for the Korku tribes and other vulnerable populations in Melghat.