New Delhi, Apr 9 (IANS): With an aim to ending discrimination faced by sex workers and empowering them with an alternative career, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has trained 13 girls -- aged between 15 to 18 years -- who were victims of human trafficking.

According to NSDC, which is under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), the girls, who were rescued from G.B. Road here by Delhi Police, were trained in a special project under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY).

"After their rescue, these girls went through counselling and later were involved in skill training programmes through a make-shift training centre at Dwarka Home for Women for a month," said a statement by NSDC.

"Exploitation of marginalised sex workers is a pitiable situation. The vision of 'Skill India' can be harnessed when the entire workforce be utilised effectively for its development. Our collaborative effort with Delhi Police aims to protect the trafficked girls at a young age and channelise their efficiencies by engaging them in productive vocations," said MSDE Joint Secretary Rajesh Agrawal.

"NSDC also aims to give them access to alternative sources of income. Participation in the skill training programme also helped the participants in getting rid of the stigma and helped boost their self-esteem and confidence," NSDC ED & COO Jayant Krishna said.