Alicia, is not alone. Many more young girls, maximum from reputed English medium schools, are joining the high-end of prostitution to earn that extra buck. Much of it has to do with the increasing demands of lifestyle.
"Student prostitution is 'in'. It has increased alarmingly in the last 5 to 6 years. Especially, since the price of mobiles has gone down. It makes students more accessible", says Swati Bannerjee, an NGO worker in Kolkata, who works with women in prostitution.The reason for such a trend, can be many. From "Just fun" to serious need for money…But the cash that comes in, plays an important role.For Alicia, who wants to be a model, it is the need to maintain her looks, dresses, and build an impressive port-folio. These take money for which she takes up "extra assignments".
Alicia says, "This is the easiest way, as my parents do not approve of modelling. So I fend myself. I have a very high-profile lifestyle to maintain".Most girls use more than one mobile. Brand new clothes, and footwear, club-hopping, and movies are also triggers. "When a girl, gets picked up from a night-club, it is for more than money. Along with earning the extra buck, they get to taste the night-life, without having to shell out a penny", says Kaushik Ghosh, a journalist, who has researched the issue.
Students of many institutions in the city, are increasingly taking easier paths to sustain the hi-fi lifestyle. Shreya (name changed) had flunked twice in her boards, is now studying for graduation long distance. "She is seen returning to south-Kolkata flat, at different hours of the night, very drunk and always in expensive cars", says Shreya's neighbour.
It has increased in the past 4 to 5 years. Though most women in the profession of prostitution, are compelled into it, as they have to support a family. But the young night-hoppers don't seem to come from the same socio-economic background. Swati reports, "I've come across girls from very rich and middle class families, as well as from families from the lower income group, and those living in abject poverty. Most coming from relatively well-off families, will not be caught hanging around. Most of their deals happen on the mobile. This is for the hip and trendy".
It is usually acquaintances who introduce the girls to prostitution. Recently a woman was arrested from a hotel in Kolkata. She was an agent, who used to introduce young women from her locality, to a few males, who were regulars at very hotel."Sometimes the girls directly contact the agent. Reference plays a very important role in the flourishing industry", says Swati again.
A client can specify the details – from the age of the girls to the schools or college they study in. Agents assure that even models are available. "There have been cases when a girl lied about her education, and the client walked out on finding out the truth", says an agent (name withheld on request).
Ads in newspaper, or any other sources in the city start the ball rolling. Once a client speaks about his preferences, the rates are decided accordingly. The agents usually accompany the girls. Often girls are delivered to rooms in star hotels. If the client is unable to fix a place, the agent provides one in that case. The place is generally decided on before.
In some cases, one-third of the fees is given to the girl. Others pay 50 percent of the amount. The amount of money depends on the profiles of the girls and the time they spent with the clients. Models and out-of-towners command higher rates. Agents in night-clubs, pubs, and star hotels, and floor-boys, who act as agents have catalogues with pictures of the girls.
But the future of these girls is generally dark. "Most of the girls get into this profession for quick money intending to go back to their normal lives at some point of time. There are girls, who go onto marry. But seldom do their relationships last", says Sangeet Mehta, another NGO worker.
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