Report: 13 Lakh Girls & Women Missing in India Between 2019-21

Startling data released by the Union Home Ministry and compiled by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has shed light on a grave issue in India. Between the years 2019 and 2021, a staggering number of over 13.13 lakh girls and women went missing in the country. Among the states, Madhya Pradesh reported the highest number of missing females, followed by West Bengal.

The data specified that 10,61,648 women above the age of 18 and 2,51,430 girls below the age of 18 were among the missing individuals during the three-year period.

The state-wise figures were equally concerning. In Madhya Pradesh, 1,60,180 women and 38,234 girls were reported missing, while West Bengal witnessed the disappearance of 1,56,905 women and 36,606 girls. Maharashtra reported 1,78,400 missing women and 13,033 girls during the same period.

Odisha and Chhattisgarh also recorded alarming numbers, with 70,222 women and 16,649 girls missing in Odisha, and 49,116 women and 10,817 girls missing in Chhattisgarh during the said three years.

Delhi, among the Union Territories, had the highest number of missing girls and women. The figures for the national capital stood at 61,054 women and 22,919 girls. In Jammu and Kashmir, 8,617 women and 1,148 girls were reported missing during the same period.

In response to growing concerns about women’s safety, the government has initiated several measures, including enacting The Criminal Law (Amendment), Act, 2013, to enhance deterrence against sexual offenses. The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018, also provided more stringent penal provisions, including the death penalty, for rape cases involving girls below the age of 12 years.

The government’s efforts include launching the Emergency Response Support System, a single internationally recognized number (112) for all emergencies, and implementing Safe City Projects in eight cities to aid smart policing and safety management. Additionally, cybercrime reporting and a National Database on Sexual Offenders have been established to facilitate the investigation and tracking of sexual offenders.

While these initiatives represent steps in the right direction, addressing the issue of missing girls and women requires sustained efforts from various stakeholders to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.