Abstract

Child trafficking in India has deep-rooted causes such as poverty, lack of education, and the need for families to support themselves financially. This issue is further exacerbated by the demand for cheap labor in various industries, leading to the trafficking of young individuals who are forced into bonded labor for low wages. Economic disparities within and between regions contribute to the trafficking of children from low-income to high-income areas. Traditional and religious practices, such as Jogin and Devadasi, which involve dedicating girls to gods and goddesses, also play a role in encouraging child trafficking, including selling children to brothels. Child trafficking is a highly profitable criminal industry, ranking third globally after drugs and weapons due to its attractive financial returns with low investment. Illiteracy, particularly among girls, prevents children from understanding their legal rights and hampers their ability to protect themselves from exploitation. The expansion of the commercial sex industry in India and abroad adds to the demand for child trafficking. Moreover, a lack of political will on the part of the government to establish a strong law enforcement system further compounds the problem. Efforts have been made at both the national and international levels to combat child trafficking in India. The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) has initiated various measures, including the National Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Women and Children in 1998. The ministry has also established the Central Advisory Committee (CAB) to provide guidance on tackling the issue. Additionally, the MWCD, in collaboration with NIPCCD and UNICEF, has developed manuals and guidelines for various stakeholders, such as a Judicial Handbook on Combating Trafficking of Women and Children for Commercial Sexual Exploitation, a Manual for Medical Officers for Dealing with Child Victims of Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation, and Counseling Services for Child survivors of trafficking. The Ministry of Home Affairs has established a dedicated nodal cell responsible for providing research, studies, and information to state governments. Workshops are organized for NGOs to address child trafficking issues. There are proposed amendments to the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, aimed at widening its scope, focusing on traffickers, protecting the human rights of victims, and ensuring proper implementation. Efforts include training all stakeholders, such as police and government officials, to better understand the situation and respond effectively to suspicious activities or individuals. The MWCD operates shelter-based homes, short-stay homes, and Swadhar Homes for women in difficult circumstances. Three pilot projects to combat trafficking in various contexts are in the process of being converted into full schemes. Additionally, collaborative efforts with the Ministry of External Affairs aim to establish special task forces to combat cross-border trafficking. Addressing child trafficking in India requires tackling underlying issues such as poverty, illiteracy, lack of educational opportunities, and traditional practices that perpetuate the vulnerability of children, especially girls.

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