The rural employment scheme provides at least 100 days of work annually to every rural household.

"Response to human trafficking is not just about rescue but also about how the environment is protected and can provide income generating activities", according to experts.

COVID-19 infections have been rising among millions of tea pickers - many of whom live in cramped living quarters with difficulty in curbing the virus' spread.

The foreign ministry received more than 9,500 complaints between January and June this year from migrant workers in the Gulf.

"Gay men don't only live in an urban setting. Thousands are growing up in villages and towns, with no way to access information on sexuality, most of which is available only in English."