Aishik Chanda By

HYDERABAD: The Banjara community in Devarakonda of Nalgonda district continues to dodge the law and sell girls for Rs 40,000-Rs 50,000, according to Nalgonda district Child Welfare Committee chairperson K Nimmaiah.

Nimmaiah expressed concern over the lack of knowledge about family planning, the desire for a male child, coupled with chronic poverty among the Banjaras that forces them to sell their girl children.

“Brokers, who make Rs 10,000 of each transaction put the children up for illegal adoption or sell them for sex trade. However, with prompt monitoring, girls are being adopted legally,” the CWC chairperson said. “However, brokers also sell the children to people who bring up the girls till they are adults and then sell them to brothels in Nalgonda district and in Mumbai and Pune,” he added.

To avoid suspicion, the children are changed hands while being brought up. “They work as sex workers till 35 years and when their youth is gone, they are left alone. With sexually transmitted diseases, they have nowhere to go,” Nimmaiah added.

However, Devarakonda officials say reported cases have come down due to vigilance. But, some agree that Banjaras manage to slip their vigil and sell infant girls.

“In some cases, mothers are also willing to sell their infant girls. We have conducted gram sabhas and counselling is given to mothers. We also recommend setting up of residential hostels and some have already been established,” said Devarakonda RDO K Gangadhar. “Though the cases of selling girl children has reduced since the past eight months, still some incidents happen secretly,” he added. Anganwadi workers also keep a tab on pregnant women.