Identify sex workers in metros willing to quit: SC

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the government to identify sex workers willing to give up the trade in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai and suggest mode and manner of imparting vocational training to enable them earn a dignified livelihood.

A bench of Justices Markandey Katju and Gyan Sudha Misra also set up a panel headed by senior advocate Pradeep Ghosh and asked the Centre and state governments to conduct a survey and report to the panel, which will then suggest and assist the court in passing appropriate orders.

Other members of the panel are senior advocate Jayant Bhushan, Usha Multi-purpose Cooperative Society through its president and Delhi-based NGO 'Rohini' through Salma Hasan.

The panel was set up to assist the court after the bench learnt that neither the Centre nor the states had filed an affidavit in response to its February 14 order asking them to suggest schemes to impart vocational training to sex workers, who number between 7-12 lakh.

The Union health ministry says there are 6,88,751 "registered" sex workers, while National Aids Control Authority ( NACO) estimates their population at 12.63 lakh. Andhra Pradesh has more than one lakh registered sex workers while Karnataka has 79,000. They are followed by Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and West Bengal. Among the metros, Delhi leads the list with 37,900 sex workers.

The bench asked the governments to file their affidavits in two weeks, posted further hearing on August 2 and said it would give directions to the Centre and states from time to time based on the panel's recommendations.

"Since this is a continuing mandamus, to begin with, we will focus on the metropolitan cities of India, namely, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai as this problem of sex workers is more acute and on a much larger scales in these metropolitan cites. However, this does not mean that we will not take up other cities into consideration," it said.

The court said it was taking up the exercise to give a chance to sex workers to live a life with dignity, a right guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.

"It is only if a sex worker is able to earn a livelihood through technical skills rather than by selling her body that she can live with dignity, and that is why we have requested all the states and the Union of India to submit schemes for giving technical training to these sex workers," it said.

The SC order for survey of sex workers followed senior advocate Anand Grover's suggestion for ascertaining how many sex workers wanted rehabilitation and the type of vocational training.

The court on February 14 had said, "A woman is compelled to indulge in prostitution not for pleasure but because of abject poverty. If such a woman is granted opportunity to avail some technical or vocational training, she would be able to earn her livelihood by such vocational training and skill instead of selling her body."

It had directed the governments to prepare schemes for giving technical or vocational training to sex workers and sexually abused women and ensure that goods produced by vocationally trained sex workers had a market.

The order came on a petition filed by one Budhadev Karmakar who was convicted and sentenced for killing a sex worker in Kolkata on September 17, 1999.

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Is your friend your sex buddy?

Is your friend your sex buddy?

He loves me, he loves me not. She'll call back, she won't." Well, not all tales that begin with plucking petals or waiting for a call, end up in bed.

For the girl or guy you save the last dance for, need not be the one you spend your life with. But, that's ok. Isn't it? For, till you find your ideal partner, you can have fun with a buddy. All you have to do is just give a call or drop a message and he or she will be there at your doorstep. Yes, having a f**k or a sex buddy is cool, comfy and fun, feel the youth. We talk to them on what they call a "win-win situation."

A friend in need, is a friend indeed!

Who else, but your buddy to best understand your needs. "A bed buddy keeps one happy, 'coz there are no strings attached. And it's not a new trend, just that now it's a fad, just like having a boyfriend or a girlfriend," says Prateek, a manager with a city eatery.

"It's hassle-free and convenient," feels Neha, a bank employee. She adds, "It surely is more than a one-night stand. It lasts much longer, after all, friendships last." But, how does it all begin? "In my case, it was not like a thought out decision. I was lonely and looked for comfort in a friend and it worked. Today, we know we are there for each other, whenever and wherever," lets in Amit, a bank employee. "It's all about fulfiling an instinct and since social norms don't permit it otherwise, one goes to a friend," reasons Prateek. Dhruv, a student of computer applications says, "It's about helping a friend enjoy the pure pleasure of sex. It might feel wrong the first time, but then, with friends there are no hang-ups."

Cool 'n' clear
"It is a zero complication situation, as both the friends are clear on what they want," says Dhruv. Both the buddies have to be clear about the terms of the relationship or else emotional problems follow, says Megha, a budding architect. "Sex buddies come in handy, for they're just a call away," feels Preeti, who is doing her MBA. "It's pure sex. One is not even required to engage in any post-sex sweet talk," she adds. Agrees Vikas, a scribe, "That's quite a relief, as one is not made to feel guilty if one forgets to send flowers the next morning. The passion never dies, for you know why you are into it." Adds Prateek, "Cheater and a f**k buddy are two different terms."

In the fast lane
"Today's pace of life doesn't allow one to devote hours to nurturing a relationship," feels Gaurav, an executive working in a call centre. "Gone are the days when one had to wait for marriage to have sex. It's also not about being a girl or a guy," says Megha. "It's thrilling to meet one's needs with a friend, rather than wait for a girl to shed her hang-ups," chips in Amit.

Fun bhi, safety bhi?
"I have been staying alone in the city for five years and have had a couple of regular sex buddies all these years," says Vikas, adding, "At times, it was to avoid loneliness, and many a times for fun." Admits Gaurav, "I have never felt ashamed while experimenting when with a friend. You can let your fantasies loose." Some feel such a relationship ensures safe sex. "A friend would never leave you infected with a virus," feels Prerna.

No right or wrong
"I would never consider having a serious relationship with a man who I know has had a sex buddy," says Kanika, who is studying commerce. But then, there are no rights and wrongs feel those who have such buddies, and they reiterate that it's about personal choice.
(Names have been changed to protect identities)

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Only 3 per cent say they have sex daily

According to a recent poll conducted by adult products company Adam and Eve, only three per cent of the respondents said they had sex daily.

Nearly 20 per cent admitted that they weren't sexually active.

Out of the 1,000 men and women surveyed, 5 per cent admitted to never having had sex in their lives while, the majority of respondents (26 per cent) said they have sex once or twice a week.

Sixteen per cent of the remaining participants said they had sex three to four times a week whereas, 15 per cent admitted to having sex once or twice a month, reports the New York Daily News .

Seven per cent said they had sex every few months.

A mere 1 per cent enjoyed sex more than once a day, reveals the poll.

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What's Your Sex Flavour?

Make-out Mondays. Tease Tuesdays. Kiss 'n' tell Wednesdays. Topless Thursdays... When her closest pal, future roommate (?) sat her down with the others who shared the apartment - three male, one female - and enlightened her about the weekly agenda at their spacious apartment, she almost recoiled in shock. True, she wasn't entirely sexually inexperienced and was far from being a prude, but all of this seemed like a bit much.

Should she give up her relatively vanilla life? Or could it taint her forever, and stop her from wanting to live a happy, "normal" life ever? She told her pal she'd sleep over it when one of her hunky roomies snickered: "Alone?"

She reached home, called up her pal and asked her to elaborate what Topless Thursdays involved. "We're not topless really; we paint each other with chocolate, lick it off and then start all over..." in a slow, sexy laugh that almost melted her resolve to keep away from this wild bunch.

Soon, there she was, draped in the rich brown heavenly liquid that dripped on her hot pants surrounded by the four hungry roommates. "Could I eat some, please?" asked a voice teasingly. "We looove chocolate, something about pheromones..." mumbled another between mouthfuls. She felt exposed, vulnerable, yet free. Free from the hypocritical, moralistic shackles of society. She felt far, far away from her painful past and uncertain future.

All that mattered was the here and now. All that mattered was pleasure. Receiving, giving, receiving, giving... the lines blurring between the two. When her steady boyfriend's face flashed before her, looking earnest as ever as he'd proposed marriage to her. She snapped out of her reverie, her decision made. Guess what she'd turn down - marriage or Topless Thursdays?

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Top ten sex romps

Are you always complaining that your sex life is running out of steam? Well, what's stopping you from getting adventurous and innovative? Charge up your sex life using this list of the 10 craziest places to fool around...or you could get inspired and think of a few of your own!

1. On the couch: After the bed, the couch in the living room is screaming for attention. And the best part...it's comfy too. The cushions work as a support system to get those curves and arches to enjoy the perfect moves, while the lack of space will keep up the intimacy levels. Want some more action? Put on a wild flick on video and you have a perfect mood maker!
Word of caution: Watch out your moves, going out of control is injurious...for the couch of course!

2. In the bathtub: Things can get real hot even in a cool bath tub. For the ultimate romantic experience, arrange for a bubble bath with aromatic rose petals and passion perfume. Add some mood lighting, splash a few drops of 'ylang ylang' essential oil and be certain that the sensuous experiment will lead to some supah hot sex.
Word of caution: Check out the water temperature, you don't want to end up with painful blisters or a frozen lover...isn't?

3. In the kitchen: Be it 91/2 Weeks or Fatal Attraction , the kitchen has borne witness to quite a number of sexapades. The sturdy surfaces and shelves offer great support, especially for stand-up acts, while the feeling of being at an unconventional place pumps up the excitement to newer heights. And how can you miss the yummy treats your kitchen is loaded with? Eat them, but off each other's hot bods. Think chocolate, cream, jams and jellies!
Word of caution: Know the stuff you are eating and applying...some edibles are good only to eat. So watch out for allergies!

4. In the pool: Though not many are privileged to have one in the confines of their home, if you are one of the lucky few, make the most of it. Challenge your swimming skills and get under for into some underwater escapades. Who said that the inflatable water turtle is meant only for tanning, use it for some steamy adventure...ride it together and get a new high!
Word of caution: You need not be swimming champs, but fairly decent floating skills are definitely expected to get into the water-y fun.

5. In the car: Yes it's crammed, but it's cosy too. A quickie in the backseat can rekindle the excitement that you felt during your heady college days. Put on some romantic retro tracks and switch on the AC. Don't fret, it won't cool down the passion. When the place is different, the position can't be a drab. It's tough to adjust facing each other, but turning the world around can definitely help...hope you got the clue!
Word of caution: Just be careful where you park...you don't want to get busted!

6. In the dressing room: How about catching her unawares in the dressing room of a store? Sounds dangerous but thrilling too! The fear of getting caught will only add to the sensual experience, while the lack of time is perfect to give you a never before quickie. Thinking comfort? Sorry! All you have is a stool...let him stand as you take charge!
Word of caution: Making noise is not allowed here and do take care of hidden cameras and key-holes.

7. The stairs: If you are thinking they can be a pain to one's body, think again, as they can be adventurous too. After all, they can give you those highs and lows, especially when the girl is comparatively short.
Word of caution: Don't get really aggressive if getting cramps in your lower back is not on your mind.

8. On the roof : Yes, this can be a great playground; the gentle moonlight, a cool breeze to caress your passionate entwinings. Pep it up with some paper lamps or scented candles and light music, which will just add to the mood. You have all the space to set the ball rolling...so go ahead and explore her contours under a starry sky.
Word of caution: No physical risks are involved...but just take care of peeping Toms around.

9. In a sleeping bag: Nothing could bring you as close as that sleeping bag that's meant for a single person and is loaded with two! Why not get into some naughty action and add to a fun-filled camping trip? Instead of the normal position, turn around and have some fun from behind. Talk about kinky fantasies!
Word of caution: Zip the bag properly, you don't want end up killing insects in the mid of the act.

10. On a plane: You can try the toilet and if that's too cramped, the seat in a Business or First class cabin. Some airliners with long-haul flights now boast of recliner seats that go as flat as a bed. Take a flight of fantasy.
Word of caution: Don't try it if you already have flight phobia and take care of people lining-up outside the loo.

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