In a concerning revelation, data presented by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in the Rajya Sabha last week has brought to light that a staggering number of girls and women went missing in India between 2019 and 2021. According to the information compiled by the National Crime Records Bureau, the figures show that 10,61,648 females above the age of 18 and 2,51,430 girls below that age were reported missing during this period across the country.
Madhya Pradesh emerges as the state with the highest number of such cases, recording nearly two lakh missing females, with 1,60,180 women and 38,234 girls going missing between 2019 and 2021. Following closely behind, West Bengal reported a distressing 1,56,905 missing women and 36,606 missing girls during the same period.
These numbers have raised significant concern among lawmakers and activists as they reflect the persistent challenges related to female safety and security in the country. The issue of missing women and girls is multi-faceted, encompassing factors such as human trafficking, forced marriages, abduction, and other forms of exploitation. It calls for urgent and comprehensive measures to address the root causes and safeguard the vulnerable population.
The state of Maharashtra recorded 1,78,400 missing women and 13,033 missing girls, while Odisha reported 70,222 missing women and 16,649 missing girls over the three-year span. Chhattisgarh witnessed 49,116 missing women and 10,817 missing girls during the same period, revealing that the problem is not confined to specific regions but requires nationwide attention.
Among the Union Territories, Delhi stood out with the highest number of such incidents, with a shocking 61,054 women and 22,919 girls reported missing between 2019 and 2021. In Jammu and Kashmir, 8,617 women and 1,148 girls went missing during the same period. These numbers underscore the urgency of implementing effective safety measures in urban areas and conflict-ridden regions alike.
In response to these alarming statistics, the government has assured the Rajya Sabha that it has taken numerous initiatives to address and ensure the safety of women across the country. These initiatives include enhanced law enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and support services for victims and their families. However, combating such a complex issue requires a coordinated effort from various stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and civil society groups.
The data presented in the Rajya Sabha highlights the significant challenges India confronts in safeguarding the safety and security of its female population. Effective and comprehensive measures are necessary to tackle the root causes and address the concerning issue of missing girls and women in the country. Ensuring a society where the female population can live without fear, exercise their rights, and pursue their aspirations is vital for India’s progress and development.
