The malady of missing children in many parts of the country is a terrible commentary on our collective response to the complex web of socio-economic and gender-based injustices. Organised crime, bonded labour, drug peddling, and trafficking for sexual exploitation are among the reasons for the disappearances of children. The Central and State governments have now been issued notices by the Supreme Court on a petition alleging that about 55,000 children have gone missing in the past three years. In the Capital alone, over 19,000 children have disappeared since 2009, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Most are still untraced. If this malaise seems familiar, so does the cure. The committee set up in the aftermath of the gruesome Nithari incidents recommended strengthening the separate cell within the Central Bureau of Investigation to track the whereabouts of disappeared children. The apex court has, in its recent intervention, sought to know the current status of this cell. The recommendation dates back to a 2007 National Human Rights Commission report. The NHRC has repeatedly called for greater involvement and accountability on the part of the local administration and the police in protecting vulnerable children and their families.
Crimes involving child-smuggling transcend inter-State and international borders. A central repository of data harnessing forensic science and information technology would go a long way towards breaking the nexus between crime syndicates and errant officials. But addressing the root causes of child trafficking requires a more comprehensive response. Poor access to primary education and the lack of a stimulating learning environment to sustain initial school enrolments account for the still pervasive prevalence of bonded labour, as well as for runaways. It is also worth remembering that better wages for the adult workforce have historically been one of the surest ways of stopping families from sending children to work rather than to school. Cumulatively, such measures would add up to a strong case for replacing informality in India’s workforce — over 90 per cent of which is currently outside the organised sector — and investing more in social protection policies. None of this detracts from the immediate need for psycho-social counselling services for vulnerable or affected children and families. The police and the law enforcement machinery would also need to be sensitised to this all-important human dimension. Inculcating a culture of respect for the rights of children is essential to strengthen the traditional family-oriented value system.
Keywords: The Hindu Editorial, child trafficking, organised crime, bonded labour, drug peddling, trafficking for sexual exploitation, disappearance of children
the problem becomes worse as they don`t know the process of getting justice,i think most suffered communities of world are women rather than dalits
Editorial rightly pointed out the malady. There are many cases of children stolen by miscreants. As the editorial reminds Nithari incident is an eye opener. I am not sure what happen to the case. Finally everyone is innocent? Children just cut themselves and jump into the sewage? Delayed justice in India is one of the root cause of most problems we face. Instant fair justice will act as a determent and reduce crime rate. If goverment of the day have interest and time to govern they would have acted on the missing children. India's future is our children, don't the elected representatives know that? Our conscience is hardened and dont feel anything seeing children begging in the street. we are used to it. Very sad.
The editorial ignites educated minds in the favour of nation.With a
40% population of adolescents,this is an important issue for India.
So many children missing is a real concern. How can the parents of these children not care for them? or these children orphans? I guess poverty could be a cause where these children could not be raised by their parents and hence they become victims of children smugglers where these kids are provided with some work for survival. Children struggling to have a proper meal every day would rather take up some work offered by these child smugglers that will at least provide them some money and food to eat but they are under the mercy of these child trafickers. It is really an unfortunate scenario and both state and federal governments should coduct proper enquiries to understand the root cause for the child disappearance and take necessary actions to stop this as soon as possible.
Very little is done about child abuse and missing children in India. There is no social responsibility here. When missing children are found, even educated people do not bother to return them to the police. Look at Sun Tv serials where they justify the action of these people. "Slum dog millioner" shows how children are kidnaped, mutilated, and blinded to be used as beggers, prostitutes, pickpocketers etc.It is the responsibilty of parents, teachers, society and the government to keep the children safe. Poverty and abandonment by elders play a role when children get kidnapped or run away from home. Children should be taught not to trust strangers, and how to protect themselves from predators. India turns a blind eye to child labor and exploitation of children by older people. Predators and kidnapers should be severely punished for their crimes. Government cannot be policing everyone. Friends,family, and everyone should keep a watcheful eye on children.
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