In a recent release of data by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), an unsettling reality has come to light – a staggering number of women and girls have gone missing in India. According to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, in 2021 alone, 3,75,058 women above 18 years of age were reported missing across the country. This figure is deeply concerning and calls for urgent attention to address the growing issue of missing women and girls. The NCRB data reveals that Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra have emerged as the states with the highest number of missing women and girls from 2019 to 2021.
Madhya Pradesh witnessed an alarming upward trend, with 52,119 women reported missing in 2019, 52,357 in 2020, and a distressing 55,704 in 2021. On the other hand, Maharashtra showed a slight decline, reporting 63,167 missing women in 2019, 58,735 in 2020, and 56,498 in 2021. Additionally, the data disclosed that 90,113 girls, below the age of 18, were reported missing in 2021 alone. Among the states, West Bengal had the highest number of missing girls, with a shocking 13,278 cases. The cumulative data for the three-year period from 2019 to 2021 is even more disconcerting, with a total of 10,61,648 women reported missing across the country.
Moreover, during the same period, 2,51,430 girls went missing, highlighting the pervasive nature of the problem. Responding to the grim statistics, the Home Ministry emphasized that maintaining law and order, as well as investigating and prosecuting crimes against women, falls under the purview of state governments. While the responsibility lies with the states, the central government has taken several initiatives to improve women’s safety, such as enacting the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act in 2013 to strengthen action against sexual offenses.
The escalating number of missing women and girls demands immediate action from authorities at both the state and central levels. Besides implementing legal measures, a comprehensive approach is needed to address the root causes of these disappearances, including socio-economic factors, gender-based violence, and trafficking. Civil society organizations, women’s rights activists, and concerned citizens have also called for heightened awareness campaigns, community engagement, and better coordination between law enforcement agencies to ensure prompt and effective response in missing persons cases.
As the nation grapples with this pressing issue, it is imperative for stakeholders to join forces and work collaboratively towards safeguarding the lives and dignity of women and girls. Addressing the issue of missing women and girls is not just a matter of law and order but reflects the broader concern of gender equality and human rights in India. Only through collective efforts and a commitment to change can the nation strive towards a safer and more inclusive society for all.