UJJWALA is an initiative of government of India to curb the menace of trafficking of women and children through civil society participation. VIRD has been assigned with one component of the initiative i.e.; formation of Balika Mandals. The project is being implemented in Kaniha and Talcher blocks of Angul district.

During the reporting period, VIRD has facilitated formation of 10 BalikaMandals. The BalikaMandals are formed to build camaraderie among the girls and sensitize them so as not to fall prey to human trafficking. The Balika Mandals hold regular meetings, discuss their issues and concerns and these meetings have helped in sensitization against human trafficking. In addition to formation of Balika Mandals, VIRD has formed 6 Vigilance Groups. The Vigilance Groups are supposed to keep strict vigil on human trafficking (especially women and children). The Vigilance Groups undertake vulnerability mapping and laying special focus on those vulnerable to human trafficking provide counselling service to such individuals and their family members. To create awareness among the general population, VIRD has conducted Daskathia and Palas on the theme of human trafficking making the people understand and avoid the traps of human trafficking.