Alarming Data: Over 10 Lakh Women Reported Missing Across the Country from 2019 to 2021
Alarming Data: Over 10 Lakh Women Reported Missing Across the Country from 2019 to 2021
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has recently released alarming data regarding the number of women and girls who have gone missing in India. According to the data, in the year 2021 alone, a staggering 3,75,058 women above the age of 18 went missing from various parts of the country. This concerning figure sheds light on the gravity of the issue of missing women and highlights the need for increased attention and efforts to address and prevent such incidents.
The data provided by the NCRB and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs serves as a crucial reminder of the challenges and vulnerabilities faced by girls in India. Missing cases can have devastating consequences for the victims and their families, and addressing this issue requires comprehensive and proactive measures from law enforcement agencies and policymakers to ensure the safety and security of women across the nation.
The data on missing girls and women from 2019 to 2021 reveals that Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra are the two states with the highest number of such cases during this period.
In Madhya Pradesh, the number of missing females has shown a disturbing upward trend over the three years. In 2019, 52,119 women were reported missing, which increased to 52,357 in 2020, and further rose to 55,704 in 2021. This significant increase in missing women raises concerns about their safety and highlights the need for targeted interventions and measures to address the underlying issues.
On the other hand, Maharashtra witnessed a downward trend in the number of missing women during the same period. In 2019, 63,167 women were reported missing, which decreased to 58,735 in 2020, and further declined to 56,498 in 2021. While the decrease is a positive development, the absolute numbers are still alarming, and it is crucial to continue efforts to address the root causes and prevent such incidents from occurring.
The high number of missing girls in these states underscores the urgency of implementing robust measures to safeguard their well-being and ensure their protection. Strengthening law enforcement, creating awareness, and providing support systems for vulnerable populations are essential steps to combat this pressing issue.
The data on missing girls below the age of 18 in 2021 is deeply concerning, with a total of 90,113 girls reported missing across the country. Among the states, West Bengal recorded the highest number of missing girls at 13,278, raising significant alarm about the safety and protection of young girls in the region.
Over the three-year period from 2019 to 2021, a staggering total of 10,61,648 women went missing in India. Simultaneously, 2,51,430 girls below the age of 18 also went missing during the same period. These numbers indicate a distressing and persistent issue of missing women and girls in the country.
Addressing the high number of missing cases requires a multi-faceted approach, involving law enforcement agencies, community engagement, and public awareness campaigns. Ensuring the safety and protection of women and girls is a crucial priority, and concerted efforts must be made to prevent such incidents and provide timely and effective assistance to those affected.
The Home Ministry has stated that maintaining law and order, including the investigation and prosecution of crimes, is the responsibility of respective state governments. The statement emphasizes the importance of state authorities taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and protection of women within their jurisdictions.
In addition to the state governments’ responsibilities, the Home Ministry highlighted the various initiatives taken by the central government to enhance women’s safety. One significant measure mentioned is the enactment of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, which aimed to strengthen the legal framework for effective action against sexual offences. This act introduced more stringent punishments for crimes like rape, sexual assault, and harassment, and also included provisions to address issues related to acid attacks and voyeurism.
By implementing such laws and initiatives, the central government endeavors to create a safer environment for women in the country. However, it is crucial for state governments to actively collaborate and implement effective strategies to ensure the successful enforcement of these measures and protect women from violence and exploitation. Women’s safety and security require a collective effort from both the central and state authorities, along with active participation from society as a whole.
