Story in numbers: Madhya Pradesh tops missing children's list as cases rise

It is the nightmare of any family when a child goes missing.

The new data on missing children, released by the National Crime Records Bureau, reveals that among the states where children have gone missing, Madhya  Pradesh is at the top. Worse, the numbers are rising. Those who are responsible for controlling crime say the figures tell only part of the story — Madhya Pradesh is seen as the worst offender because reporting in the state is better. But whatever the case, it still has the highest number of missing children in India — and not many are found.

What happens to missing children? Many are trafficked as part of a nationwide trade: Millions end up witnessing forced labour, domestic slavery and sex work, in what’s become a lucrative industry.

India is home to more than 400 million children below the age of 18 years, and is considered among the countries where youth and children comprise more than 55% of the population. These missing children represent diverse cultures, religions, castes, communities, social and economic groups.

Childline, a not for profit organisation that reaches out to children via a phone line, reports that there is an increase in incidents of children disappearing during festival times. The vulnerability of the victims is responsible for children being sold to labour contractors or forced into the sex trade. Parents living lives of deprivation fall prey to promises of earnings.

Organized trafficking of children for labour or sex operates despite the law and in the face of activist resistance. Missing children lack support systems and, therefore, are vulnerable to neglect, exploitation and abuse. They suffer emotional trauma, depression, and other psychological ill-effects. The crisis and trauma affects the child as well as his/her family.

Source: Childline; National Crime Records Bureau