The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised serious concerns over the increasing number of missing children cases in several Indian states, following a report published by a national media outlet.
According to the report, Bihar has registered between 12,000 and 14,000 missing children cases annually since 2013, of which only about two-thirds of the children have been recovered. The report further highlights that Odisha, Bihar, Telangana, and Maharashtra top the list for cases related to human trafficking, while in child trafficking of girls, Rajasthan has the highest reported instances.
Trafficking and Exploitation Concerns
The NHRC noted that many of the missing children are suspected to have been involved in illegal activities, including begging, child labor, and even commercial sexual exploitation. The commission emphasized that if the report’s content is accurate, it indicates a serious violation of the human rights of these children and underscores a critical national problem.
Despite various measures taken by state governments, the number of missing children continues to rise, and only a small proportion are successfully traced and rescued. The NHRC observed that this trend poses grave concerns for the protection and welfare of minors in the affected states.
Directions to State Authorities
In response, the NHRC has issued notices to the Chief Secretaries and Police Chiefs of Bihar, Odisha, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, seeking a detailed report on missing children within two weeks. The commission has specifically asked for information regarding the actions taken or proposed to address the growing number of missing children, with a focus on ensuring child safety and rehabilitation.
Additionally, the NHRC has requested the states to provide updated figures from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) to ensure accurate assessment and planning of interventions. Authorities are expected to include details of ongoing rescue operations, preventive measures, and steps to curb trafficking and exploitation of minors.
Urgent Need for Coordinated Action
The commission has stressed the importance of timely and coordinated efforts by state governments, law enforcement, and child welfare departments to address the issue effectively. NHRC officials hope that the upcoming reports will provide actionable insights to protect children and prevent further exploitation.