In a deeply concerning development, the Indian government has reported that nearly 36,000 children have vanished without a trace since 2020. Despite efforts by both state and central authorities to locate and recover missing minors, thousands of families continue to endure heart-wrenching uncertainty. The situation has prompted calls for enhanced investigative measures, including potential involvement of national agencies like the CBI, to address inter-state child trafficking networks. The government has allocated significant resources and established specialized units to combat this crisis, but challenges persist, particularly in states like Bihar and Odisha, where the number of unresolved cases remains alarmingly high.
The Alarming Reality of India's Missing Children
In the midst of a troubling trend, India is grappling with an escalating issue of missing children. Since 2020, approximately 36,000 young lives have disappeared into the shadows, leaving behind devastated families and communities. This alarming statistic was revealed by the Centre in a recent Supreme Court hearing. While the majority of the nearly 300,000 children who went missing over the past four years have been recovered, many cases remain unsolved, particularly in certain regions.
One of the most affected areas is Bihar, where over 24,000 children have gone missing since 2020. Of these, more than 12,600 are still unaccounted for. Similarly, Madhya Pradesh has seen the highest number of missing children, with 58,665 cases reported, though the police managed to trace 45,585 within four months. However, 3,955 cases remain unresolved. In Odisha, 24,291 children have disappeared since 2020, with 4,852 yet to be found. These figures paint a sobering picture of the scale of the problem.
To tackle this crisis, the government has introduced several initiatives. Apart from the 'khoya-paya' portal, which serves as a database for missing persons, states have been advised to transfer unresolved cases to anti-human trafficking units after four months. The Centre has also provided substantial financial support—approximately Rs 100 crore—to bolster these units across every district, focusing on prevention, protection, and prosecution. Yet, despite these efforts, some states, including Delhi, Punjab, Nagaland, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, J&K, and Andhra Pradesh, have failed to submit crucial data on missing children.
Senior advocate Aparna Bhat highlighted the obstacles faced by state police in prosecuting those involved in inter-state child trafficking. She urged the court to consider a probe by a national agency such as the CBI to ensure more effective action. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati emphasized the government's commitment to addressing the issue through various measures, but acknowledged the need for improved coordination and accountability.
In conclusion, the plight of thousands of missing children in India underscores the urgency of comprehensive reforms. The current system, while making strides, requires stronger enforcement and collaboration between all levels of government to prevent further tragedies. As families wait anxiously for their loved ones, it is clear that this is not just a legal or administrative issue—it is a humanitarian crisis that demands immediate attention.
A Wake-Up Call for Society
This disturbing report serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of children in India and the systemic failures that allow such tragedies to occur. It calls for a collective response from society, government, and law enforcement to prioritize the safety and well-being of our youngest citizens. The persistence of missing children cases, especially in regions like Bihar and Odisha, highlights the urgent need for better preventive measures, faster response times, and more robust investigative frameworks. Ultimately, this crisis should compel us to rethink our approach to child protection and commit to creating a safer environment for all children.