Alarming statistics are reported for Delhi, where child trafficking cases surged by 68% during the specified timeframe.
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – Uttar Pradesh tops the list of states where child trafficking is rampant, a recent report on the grave issue has revealed.
The most populous state in the country is followed by Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, according to a report titled “Child Trafficking in India: Situation-Based Data Analysis and Need for Visionary and Technology-Based Strategy.” The report delves into the statistics gathered between 2016 and 2022 across 21 states, 262 regions, and 263 districts, influential Hindi daily Jansatta said in a report on Friday.
The investigation highlighted a distressing connection between child trafficking and socio-economic factors such as poverty, hunger, illiteracy, and unemployment. The need for financial support to sustain economically vulnerable families often compels children to abandon their homes. The report emphasises that the consequences are severe, robbing children of their childhood, potential, human dignity, as well as hindering their physical and mental development.
Child trafficking is identified as the root cause of various illegal activities, including child domestic work, labor exploitation in various sectors, begging, organ harvesting, and commercial sex work. Bihar and Andhra Pradesh are highlighted as major areas affected by child trafficking. West Bengal, Odisha, Telangana, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh also face the grim reality of child trafficking.
Alarming statistics are reported for Delhi, where child trafficking cases surged by 68% during the specified timeframe. The report indicates a staggering increase in such cases in Uttar Pradesh, from 267 between 2016 and 2019 to 1,343 between 2021 and 2022. Similarly, Karnataka witnessed an 18-fold increase in child trafficking cases, with Jaipur topping the list of districts with the highest incidents. Notably, four of the top districts are located in the national capital.
The report sheds light on urgent need for a comprehensive and visionary strategy, integrating technology to address the root causes of child trafficking in India and safeguard the vulnerable sections of society.