30-07-2023 : Government data reveals a deeply troubling reality as more than 13.13 lakh girls and women went missing in the country between 2019 and 2021. The information, presented by the Union Home Ministry in Parliament, has shed light on a distressing issue that demands urgent attention and action. Among the missing individuals, 10,61,648 women above 18 years and 2,51,430 girls below that age were reported missing during this period across the country, as compiled by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
Madhya Pradesh recorded the highest number of missing females, with 1,60,180 women and 38,234 girls unaccounted for between 2019 and 2021, followed by West Bengal, where 1,56,905 women and 36,606 girls went missing. Maharashtra reported 1,78,400 missing women and 13,033 missing girls during the same period. Meanwhile, Odisha witnessed the disappearance of 70,222 women and 16,649 girls, and Chhattisgarh reported 49,116 missing women and 10,817 missing girls over the three years.
In the Union Territories, Delhi faced the highest number of missing cases. The national capital recorded 61,054 missing women and 22,919 missing girls between 2019 and 2021. Additionally, in Jammu and Kashmir, 8,617 women and 1,148 girls were reported missing during the said period.
Addressing the grave issue of women’s safety, the government has taken several initiatives across the country. One notable step is the enactment of The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, aimed at deterring sexual offenses more effectively. The 2018 amendment further strengthened penal provisions, including the death penalty, for the rape of girls below the age of 12 years. The Act also mandates timely investigation and filing of charge sheets in rape cases within two months, with trials to be completed in another two months.
To enhance emergency response, the government launched the Emergency Response Support System. This pan-India system uses the universally recognized number (112) to facilitate immediate assistance in all emergencies. Equipped with computer-aided dispatch, it ensures prompt deployment of field resources to distressed locations.
In the pursuit of smart policing and safety management, Safe City Projects have been sanctioned in the first phase in eight cities: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, and Mumbai. These projects leverage technology to bolster law enforcement efforts and enhance safety measures in urban areas.
Recognizing the challenges posed by cybercrime, the home ministry introduced a cybercrime reporting portal on September 20, 2018. This portal allows citizens to report incidents involving obscene content, aiding law enforcement in combating online offenses.
Furthermore, the home ministry launched the National Database on Sexual Offenders on the same day. This initiative facilitates the investigation and tracking of sexual offenders across the country, enabling law enforcement agencies to monitor and apprehend potential threats.
Amidst the staggering number of missing girls and women, these initiatives stand as essential steps towards safeguarding women’s rights and ensuring their security. However, the data underscores the urgency of more comprehensive measures to address the root causes of the crisis. Collaborative efforts from all stakeholders, including the government, law enforcement agencies, civil society, and individuals, are indispensable in fostering a safe and inclusive society where the dignity and well-being of women are protected. Only through sustained dedication and collective action can we create a nation where every woman can live without fear and uncertainty.