"On Children’s Day, let’s demand more than speeches—address India’s missing children crisis, rising child trafficking, and disrupted childhoods. Real action is needed to protect our youth’s future and well-being." Humra Quraishi writes…

Photography: Vinta Nanda

As India observes Children’s Day on November 14, marking Jawahar Lal Nehru's birth anniversary, the celebration must go beyond ceremonial speeches. With thousands of children missing each year—over 75% of them girls—the crisis of child trafficking, displacement, and lack of safety in government shelters demands urgent attention. Reports show that 174 children go missing every day, with many remaining untraced and vulnerable to exploitation. This Children's Day calls for accountability, increased safety, and policy changes to protect India’s young. Let’s focus on securing a safer, healthier, and more hopeful future for every child across the nation.

Every year on November 14, India celebrates Children’s Day in honour of Jawahar Lal Nehru's birth anniversary, marking his deep commitment to the rights and welfare of children. As speeches unfold from political leaders, praising the government’s achievements and pledging support for the youth, the stark truth remains: thousands of children in India are missing, and an alarming number of them are girls. Beyond speeches, one wonders who will address the grim issue of India’s missing children—a heart-wrenching crisis that continues to unfold under the radar.

The Missing Children of India: A Disheartening Reality

The statistics are staggering and devastating. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), in 2022 alone, a reported 83,350 children were recorded as missing. Among them, over 75% were girls—62,946, to be exact. This data reveals a disturbing trend, as the percentage of missing girls has risen from 65% in 2016 to 75% in 2022, indicating an increase in vulnerability and danger faced by young girls in the country. These are not just numbers; they represent real lives, real futures disrupted, and families left in anguish.

As these cases rise, the disturbing question remains unanswered: where are these children? Have they been kidnapped, trafficked, or sold into forced labour? Who operates this organized crime network preying on vulnerable children, and why are authorities unable to locate these missing individuals? The government boasts day in and day out about its intelligence abilities and how it uses technology to secure the country, so how come it pretends not to know where these missing children have disappeared? Although some of these children do get found, their conditions upon recovery are seldom disclosed. Moreover, if they cannot reunite with their families, what becomes of them?

A Question of Safety: The Dismal State of Shelter Homes

For those who are found but unable to return home, government shelters serve as their only option. However, these shelters often lack adequate safety, transparency, and oversight, raising concerns over the well-being of the children who live there. Reports have surfaced exposing cases of abuse, neglect, and mistreatment in these facilities. Children in these environments frequently lack essential care, education, and emotional support, compounding the trauma they have already faced. The pressing question arises: where is the accountability? Who ensures that these shelter homes are safe havens rather than prisons for already traumatized children?

  

Childhoods Stolen by Poverty and Neglect

The reality extends beyond missing children; even those who are not missing face daunting challenges. Many Indian children grow up amidst poverty, malnutrition, and limited access to education and healthcare. A considerable percentage of Indian children suffer from malnutrition, placing their survival at risk. Their parents often lack the financial means to afford adequate healthcare, leaving these children to face illnesses without the support they need to recover.

Education, a vital aspect of every child’s growth and future prospects, is disrupted as children from disadvantaged families drop out of school due to financial constraints or social challenges. Many are forced to abandon their studies to support their families, becoming labourers instead of learners. The dropout rate remains high, with only a fraction reaching higher education, while the rest are left to navigate the harsh realities of life with limited skills and opportunities.

Political Exploitation and the Loss of Innocence

Another heartbreaking aspect of this crisis is the political exploitation of vulnerable children. Gangs and political groups recruit young people, pulling them into a life of violence and hatred. Political mafias prey on these youths, indoctrinating them into spreading divisive ideologies and participating in harmful activities. Teenage boys, especially, are at risk, frequently targeted by law enforcement based on communal biases and often subjected to harassment.

Moreover, during times of communal conflict and civil strife, children become innocent victims. The trauma they experience leaves a lasting impact on their lives. Following the 2002 Gujarat riots and the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots, many families were forced to send their children away to ensure their safety. This separation not only disrupts their education but also leaves psychological scars. The recent trend of demolishing homes further exacerbates this issue, as displaced families lose their sense of stability and security. Children, whose lives are uprooted by these displacements, lose more than just their homes—they lose their very foundation, their childhoods shattered in the process.

A Call to Action: Finding and Protecting India’s Children

On this Children’s Day, we must look beyond ceremonial speeches and address the pressing need to protect our children, especially those who are missing. The figures are readily available—reports, statistics, and databases highlight the crisis, but the onus lies on society to demand action. The heartbreaking truth is that 174 children go missing in India every day, and nearly half remain untraced.

It is crucial to hold accountable those who are responsible for maintaining law and order. This includes not only tracking down the masterminds behind child trafficking rings but also ensuring transparency and protection within government shelters. Senior citizens, child welfare activists, and organizations must collaborate to provide consistent, compassionate oversight. It is imperative to strengthen safety measures in shelters and involve trained personnel who can provide children with the care and guidance they deserve.

Urgent Reforms for a Safer Future

To address these issues, it is essential for the government to introduce robust reforms. This includes:

• Increased Monitoring and Accountability: Implement a system of checks and balances in shelter homes and establish transparent protocols for the welfare of children who cannot return to their families.
• Support for Families in Poverty: Initiate programs that address poverty-driven issues like malnutrition, limited healthcare, and restricted access to education, thereby allowing children from low-income families to have a fair chance at a better future.
• Anti-Trafficking Measures: Strengthen the tracking mechanisms and cross-border vigilance to dismantle trafficking networks. A coordinated effort involving law enforcement, non-governmental organizations, and communities can create a more secure environment for children.
• Educational Support Programs: Invest in educational initiatives targeting marginalized communities to reduce dropout rates and provide scholarships, free meals, and healthcare to students, ensuring they remain in school.
• Awareness and Community Involvement: Encourage citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving children. Awareness programs can mobilize communities to protect children from exploitation and help them remain safe.

Turning Rhetoric into Action

Children’s Day should serve as a powerful reminder to take decisive steps for our children’s future. Political leaders must go beyond rhetoric and implement real, impactful measures to ensure the safety, well-being, and happiness of every child in India. Each child deserves a safe home, quality education, and the opportunity to live a life free from fear.

This Children’s Day, let us move beyond token gestures and take collective action to protect our most vulnerable citizens. It is our duty to demand answers, accountability, and change—for the missing children, for those suffering in poverty, and for the many young lives that hold the promise of India’s future.