Shillong , April 20 : A state social and RTI activist, Disparsing Rani has raised a sensitive but important issue, saying that many women who end up in the sex trade are not there by choice, but are pushed into it by difficult life circumstances.
Rani said many of these women are struggling to survive, with a large number being single mothers who have been left to raise their children alone after being abandoned by their husbands.He pointed out that poverty plays a major role, with some women unable to meet even basic needs like food after having children.
In such situations, he said, survival often becomes the only priority. At the same time, he acknowledged that sex work is illegal in India and remains a concern, especially in public areas like Khyndai Lad and Police Bazar.
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He said action by authorities to control open solicitation is necessary, particularly in sensitive locations.
However, he stressed that focusing only on enforcement misses the bigger picture. Instead of only chasing and punishing those involved, he questioned why more is not being done to provide alternative sources of livelihood.
He suggested that the government could explore structured support systems, similar to how street vendors are given designated spaces to earn a living, so that women can find a way out of such difficult situations.
Expressing concern over the social impact, he said the situation reflects deeper problems within society, with many people becoming hesitant about marriage after witnessing such struggles.
While he maintained that such activities should not take place openly or in ways that disturb public spaces, he also made a controversial remark that the presence of sex workers may indirectly prevent certain social issues, including early marriages.
He clarified, however, that this should not be seen as support for the profession.
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