Child trafficking in South Asia: Dimensions, roots, facets & interventions

Abstract

Child trafficking has become a serious social problem in some parts of India. West Bengal is one of the badly affected States. Especially at risk are the girl children of rural areas from poor and poorly connected families. Improvement of the rural economy (to lessen the lure of monetary inducement that poor families face) and creating awareness in rural areas, along with the involvement of panchayat members and the local administration as well as NGOs, are preventive measures that need to be urgently promoted. In addition, awareness about the issue should be created among the law enforcement agencies and legal measures enacted to prosecute perpetrators.