New Delhi: A total of 3,75,058 women (above 18 years) and 90,113 girls (below 18 years) went missing in 2021 in India, showed the data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), in its publication ‘Crime in India’, said Ministry of Home Affairs in a press release.
As per the press release, in the year 2021, Maharashtra recorded the highest number of missing women at 56,498, followed by Madhya Pradesh with 55,704, West Bengal with 50,998, and Odisha with 29,582 missing women.
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The press release stated, “In the year 2021, West Bengal emerged as the top state with the highest number of missing girls, totaling 13,278. Following closely, Madhya Pradesh secured the second position with 13,034 missing girls, while Bihar stood at the third spot with 9,808 cases, and Delhi recorded 7,805 missing girls.”
The press release underscored that the responsibility for maintaining law and order, as well as handling investigations and prosecutions of crimes against women, lies with the respective state governments.
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However, the Central Government has proactively taken several initiatives to enhance women’s safety across the nation, some of which are detailed below:
Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018: This legislation introduced stringent penal provisions, including the death penalty for the rape of girls below the age of 12 years. The Act mandates swift completion of investigations and filing of chargesheets in rape cases within two months, with trials to be completed in the same timeframe.
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Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: In September 2018, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) launched a cyber crime reporting portal to enable citizens to report obscene content, thus addressing online threats faced by women.
Investigation Tracking System: In February 2019, the MHA introduced an online analytic tool named “Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offences” to enable the police to monitor time-bound investigations in sexual assault cases, aligning with the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018.
Women Help Desks and Anti-Human Trafficking Units: The Ministry approved two projects to establish and strengthen women help desks in police stations and anti-human trafficking units across the country, providing essential assistance to women in distress.
One-Stop Centres: The Ministry of Women and Child Development set up 733 one-stop centres across the country, offering comprehensive support to women affected by violence and facing difficult circumstances.
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government has also taken significant steps to enhance women’s safety in the state. Initiatives such as the establishment of ‘Mahila Police Kaksha’ as a help desk for women at every police station.
Additionally, the introduction of Special Juvenile Police Units and Child Welfare Police Officers in all 49 police units throughout the state further reinforces the government’s focus on protecting women and children.
Furthermore, the state government has made it easier for women to seek help and report crimes through the establishment of toll-free helpline numbers, with 103 designated for Mumbai, Thane, and Navi Mumbai, and 1091 serving the rest of Maharashtra.
