Study Reveals Concerning Rise in Trafficked Children Post-Pandemic

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, has been identified as the most significant destination for trafficked children in India, according to a comprehensive report titled "Child Trafficking in India: Insights from Situational Data Analysis and the Need for Tech-driven Intervention Strategies." The report, jointly released by Games24x7 and the Kailash Satyarthi Children's Foundation (KSCF) on "World Day against Trafficking in Persons" (July 30), sheds light on the escalating child trafficking crisis in the country.

Shockingly, the report reveals that the total number of children rescued with KSCF interventions from 2016 to 2022 reached a staggering 13,549. Among the districts, Jaipur accounted for 1,115 rescued children, making up approximately 9% of the total rescues, though the report acknowledges the Rajasthan government's efforts to eradicate child labour in the state.

The national capital's two districts, North Delhi and Northwest Delhi, closely follow Jaipur on the list of top trafficking hotspots. These two districts were responsible for 5.24% and 5.13% of total rescues, respectively, with a total of five districts from Delhi making it to the top 10.

The report highlights a disturbing trend, showing a dramatic increase in child trafficking cases post-pandemic. Before the Covid-19 outbreak, there were 267 rescues per year on average (2016-2019), but after the pandemic (2021-2022), this number skyrocketed to 1,214 cases per year, indicating a shocking surge of over 350%.

Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh Lead in Child Trafficking Cases

Uttar Pradesh emerged as the leading state for child trafficking, with a staggering 2,055 cases reported in 2021 alone. Bihar and Andhra Pradesh followed closely, making up the top three states with the highest number of trafficked children.

Furthermore, Rajasthan witnessed a significant increase in average trafficked children, with an alarming rise from 48 cases in the pre-Covid years (2016-2020) to 99 cases in the post-Covid years (2021-2022). The study highlights that the Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on child trafficking in the country, leading to an upsurge in exploitative practices.

Karnataka's Startling 18-Fold Increase in Child Trafficking Cases

Notably, Karnataka recorded an 18-fold increase in child trafficking cases, from six cases before the pandemic to 110 cases after it. However, Kerala stands out as an exception, reporting no cases as a source state for trafficking.

The report underscores the urgent need for tech-driven intervention strategies to combat child trafficking effectively. As the issue becomes increasingly complex, it demands the collective efforts of government bodies, law enforcement agencies, and civil society to protect vulnerable children from falling prey to this heinous crime.

The findings of the report serve as a clarion call for immediate action and a unified approach to safeguarding the future of India's children from the clutches of human trafficking.