New Delhi: The 'Devdasi' system is "far from dead" and to avoid publicity, the dedication ceremonies have shifted from the main temples to the house of priests or smaller temples, according to a recently-released report commissioned by NHRC (National Human Rights Commission).

"Girls belonging to low caste continue to be dedicated by innocent and vulnerable parents with the connivance of priests," states the Report on Prevention of Atrocities Against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

With no publicity or fanfare, the dedication ceremonies are being carried out in the houses of priests or smaller temples, it says.

"The Devdasi system is also helped to continue due to the extreme poverty of scheduled caste families who, under compulsion of circumstances when even religious begging does not bring enough income to have sustenance, allow this practice as a means of getting some income or gifts," says the study.

The practice of "divine prostitution" continues and has become even more commercialised but the laws banning the practice have several loopholes due to which it is difficult to take legal action against the offenders, it says.

"It has been reported that not a single case has been booked under the Karnataka Devdasis Prohibition Act against priests despite many complaints and admonitions to that effect," says the study prepared by retired bureaucrat K B Saxena.

"The cases of Devdasis being pushed into brothels need to be thoroughly investigated by a specially constituted team of police officers supported by social activists to break the nexus between traffickers and priests," says the report.

Implementation of law against the tradition as well as rehabilitation of liberated Devdasis in various States have been unsatisfactory.

"The police does not have power to act suo-motu under the Act," the report says, also noting that the victims do not come forward to complain.

Expressing concern over the poor rehabilitation of the liberated Devdasis, the report says that most of them have neither land nor house and they work as daily wage labourers at very low wages.

There is also very little done by way of creating awareness and self-confidence among them and majority of the Devdasis are not aware of the facilities they can avail of.

Commenting that there is lack of political commitment to enforce even the existing law and implement the rehabilitation programmes, the report says, "It seems necessary that the Central Government adopts a proactive approach in eliminating this practice and rehabilitating women released from this sexual bondage."