With the objective of strengthening awareness, prevention strategies and coordination among all stakeholders to combat Child Trafficking, the District Administration, East Jaintia Hills District in collaboration with the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), East Jaintia Hills District today organized a sensitization programme for Headmasters of various schools across the district at a programme held at the Conference Hall of the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District.
The programme was attended by District Child Protection officer (DCPO), East Jaintia Hills District, Smt. R.D Kynjing, Sub-Inspector (SI) Women Police Station, Khliehriat Smt. L. Siangshai, Counsellor, District Child Protection Unit, East Jaintia Hills District, Smt. V. Langstang, other officials, headmasters and teachers from various Schools.
Speaking at the programme, District Child Protection Officer, Smt. R. D. Kynjing, provided an overview of the initiative, stating that the programme was conducted in line with directions of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). She emphasised the need for schools to actively engage in sensitization and preventive measures against child trafficking, as instructed by the District Administration.
Highlighting the gravity of the issue, she noted that human trafficking remains one of the fastest-growing forms of organised crime globally, with an estimated 25 million adults and children affected by labour and sex trafficking. Referring to national data, she stated that 59,262 children were reported missing in India in 2020, underlining the urgent need for vigilance and preventive interventions.
She further elaborated on vulnerability factors contributing to trafficking, including poverty, lack of livelihood opportunities, and limited awareness. Vulnerable groups, she explained, include orphans, children from single-parent families, and those affected by illness or disasters. She also described the roles of trafficking offenders, including spotters, purchasers, and individuals involved in exploitation and abuse.
She also spoke on challenges in child protection, observing that weakening family responsibility has increased reliance on government mechanisms, resulting in a growing number of child care applications before district authorities. Stressing that the family remains the primary institution for child care, she called for greater parental and community responsibility. On adoption and surrender procedures, she informed that families may legally surrender children before the Child Welfare Committee, with a 60-day reconsideration period available to parents. In cases of abandoned children, she explained that due processes, including police procedures and public notifications, are mandatory prior to adoption.
Delivering another key address, Sub-Inspector, Women Police Station, Khliehriat, Smt. L. Siangshai, highlighted the increasing cases of sexual offences involving minors in the district. She noted challenges faced by law enforcement, including limited manpower and overlapping responsibilities with the Anti Human Trafficking Unit.
She explained the definition and stages of child trafficking, including recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring, and receipt of children for exploitation. She cautioned that traffickers often use false promises of jobs, education, marriage, or financial incentives to lure children and families.
She further outlined categories of vulnerable children, such as those from economically weaker backgrounds, school dropouts, runaways, children from remote areas, and children with disabilities. Participants were also sensitized on identifying warning signs of trafficking, including fear, anxiety, social withdrawal, constant monitoring, malnourishment, poor hygiene, and signs of abuse.
Highlighting legal consequences, Smt. Siangshai stated that traffickers, transporters, harbourers, and customers are liable for stringent punishment, with imprisonment ranging from three years to more than seven years under relevant laws. She emphasised that combating child trafficking requires a collective effort involving government agencies, law enforcement, educational institutions, communities, and individuals. Key strategies include strengthening legal enforcement, fast-tracking investigations, and sustained awareness campaigns targeting both boys and girls.
The programme concluded with a meaningful interaction between the resource persons and the participants.
