The Supreme Court’s recent directive to all states and union territories to furnish data on missing children since 2020 underscores the alarming reality of child trafficking in India. With multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) revealing a well-entrenched inter-state network, the problem is both grave and widespread, as highlighted in a petition filed by Guria Swayam Sevi Sansthan. This troubling situation calls for urgent action from both the government and civil society.
The cases presented from Uttar Pradesh, where minors were abducted and trafficked to states like Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, reflect the organized nature of child trafficking networks. This crisis is not limited to a few regions but spans across the country, endangering the lives of countless vulnerable children. The Supreme Court’s emphasis on this issue is timely, but the road ahead requires collective and coordinated efforts.
Existing mechanisms such as the Khoya-Paya portal, launched in 2015, and the anti-human trafficking units (AHTUs) in each district, are steps in the right direction. However, the current situation suggests that these measures are not enough. The fact that children can remain missing for four months before being forwarded to the AHTU points to a delay that can cost lives. Faster response times, improved coordination between states, and stricter law enforcement are essential to disrupting these trafficking networks.
Moreover, awareness campaigns must be intensified, especially in rural areas where children are most vulnerable to abduction. The government, along with non-governmental organizations, must work to ensure that citizens are informed about the risks and the support mechanisms in place.
The upcoming hearing in October is crucial, but the time to act is now. Protecting our children from trafficking requires a comprehensive and sustained approach to ensure their safety and dignity.