Child Trafficking In India: UP, Bihar, Andhra Worst States; Delhi Records Alarming Rise

New Delhi: Child trafficking continues to be a serious concern in India.

During the period between 2016 and 2022, as many as 13,549 children under the age of 18 were rescued, according to a study by an NGO.

The report, released on Sunday to mark ‘World Day Against Trafficking in Persons’, revealed that 80% of the rescued children were within the age-group of 13 to 18 years, while 13% were between 9 and 12 years, and over 2% younger than nine years.

The study found Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh to be the top three states with most number of children trafficked, reported PTI.

Delhi, on the other hand, saw an alarming 68% rise from pre-COVID times.

Jaipur City emerged as the top district in child trafficking, with the next four slots in the list being in the national Capital.

The data, gathered by Games24x7’s data science team, draws from KSCF and its partners’ interventions in child trafficking cases across 262 districts in 21 states during the six-year period.

The report also shed light on the industries where child labour is rampant.

Hotels and dhabas were found to be employing maximum number of child labourers (15.6%), followed by automobile or transport industry (13%) and garments (11.18%).

Despite the worrying figures, the report highlighted the positive impact of government and law enforcement agencies’ proactive stance over the past decade.

The report also pointed out the need for a comprehensive anti-trafficking law to effectively combat child trafficking.