Governor Highlights Rising Child Abductions, Urges Collective Action for Safer Society
CH NEWS
Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot inaugurated the “Gruha Shuddhi Abhiyan on Anti-Human Trafficking and Parenting Program” at Raj Bhavan on Monday. The initiative was jointly organized by Bharathiya Nurses and Allied Sangh, BMS, and Dishabodh Foundation.
In his address, the Governor described the campaign as an awareness movement for child protection and parenting, aimed at tackling challenges faced by school-going children and rising incidents of abduction. “Saving childhood is not only a social responsibility but also a national duty. Let us move from Gruha Shuddhi to Samaj Shuddhi,” he emphasized.
Expressing concern over child safety, Gehlot highlighted that nearly 40% of India’s population is under 18, making children highly vulnerable. He noted that Karnataka reports over 2,000 missing children annually, with nearly 10 percent remaining untraced. “Most victims are girls, and many cases are linked to human trafficking, sexual exploitation, child labour, organ trade, and forced begging,” he warned. The Governor acknowledged government measures, Including special task forces and increased vigilance by law enforcement agencies. However, he stressed that combating the crisis demands collective responsibility from parents, schools, citizens, NGOs, local bodies, and civil society.
Recalling the Yuva Shuddhi Abhiyan launched in 2024 from Raj Bhavan, which later grew into the Nasha Mukth Bharath Abhiyan, he said the new programme extends the mission by focusing on child safety through awareness and vigilance. The event saw participation from Shri Sachin Ghorpade, Zonal Director, Narcotics Control Bureau; Dr. Jayanthi, Vice Chancellor, Sapthagiri NPS University; Shri K.K. Vijayakumar, National President, Bharathiya Nurses and Allied Sangh; Shri Giju Thomas, National Secretary, BN&AS; along with several dignitaries.
