Child Trafficking and India

The very thought of it brings jitters to many, but child trafficking is rampantly carried out in India. It is the most odious act against humanity as a whole.

It begins from the family of the children, in many cases, where the parents are ready to “sell” their children for a few thousand rupees. It moves on to kidnapping, abduction and deceiving. Not only economic conditions, but also factors such as, bad company, addiction to drugs, ill treatment by parents, social acceptance, incest and rape end up in child prostitution. Children are lured into this heinous world with promises of better education, jobs, marriage and higher standards of living. Once taken to different parts of the country, these children are forced into prostitution and sex slavery. 

These rackets are very well thought out and structured. States like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal are the 'sources' and Delhi, Mumbai and Goa are the main 'receivers'. The eastern parts of the country remain the major sources, also owing to the geographical conditions. We share a porous border with Nepal and Bangladesh, which allows international trafficking. 10% of the child prostitutes in the country belong to these areas. Goa on the other hand is the main receiver. The reason lies in the tourism rate and the severe lack of legal bindings. Goa is the new Thailand, as India takes over South Asia as the hub of child trafficking and prostitution.

We consider ourselves as developed and educated individuals. At the backdrop children, the future of our country, are facing nightmares every second. Indians epitomise hypocrisy. On one hand, they project traditional cultures and values and on the other they participate in activities like child flesh trade. India is a major part of this multi -million dollar industry. Everyone is a part of this widespread scandal. The chain starts at the grass root and goes right up to the “elite” classes, with political involvement and criminals. Everyone, from brothel owners, local leaders to corrupt officials, is a part of this ridiculously large and complex network.

How it is possible for a human to carry out such an unthinkable act will probably always remain unanswered. From economic conditions to social norms, does anything justify child prostitution? NO. We all know what is happening around us, the question here is why is it still happening? Finding ways to put a stop to this vicious structure and protecting these child victims is not rocket science. So isn’t it time for each one to save one?