SC asks Centre to give nationwide data on missing children, Pg14

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court directed the Union government to provide six years of nationwide data on missing children.
• A dedicated officer must be appointed in the Union Home Ministry to coordinate with States and UTs in compiling data.
• The order was issued during a hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Guria Swayam Sevi Sansthan.
• The court had previously directed States and UTs to appoint dedicated officers and upload details on the Mission Vatsalya portal.

Detailed Insights:

• The PIL highlighted the increasing number of untraced children across various States, prompting the court's intervention.
• Mission Vatsalya, administered by the Women and Child Development Ministry, serves as the central platform for uploading and disseminating information on missing children.
• The Supreme Court emphasized the need for effective information dissemination and coordinated platform usage to achieve meaningful results in tracing missing children.
• The Union Home Ministry's lack of a dedicated nodal officer was noted, leading to the court's directive for immediate appointment and information upload on the portal.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Public Interest Litigation (PIL): A lawsuit filed in the public interest, addressing grievances affecting the general public.
• Mission Vatsalya: A scheme for child protection services and to support children in difficult circumstances.
• Nodal Officer: A designated individual responsible for coordinating activities and information within a specific project or program.