THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, January 17: Expressing serious concern over the rising cases of missing children and child trafficking in Jharkhand, Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad, Judge of the Jharkhand High Court and Executive Chairman of the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA), on Saturday, called for heightened vigilance and immediate action at the grassroots level to protect children.
Justice Prasad was speaking at a programme held at the JHALSA Auditorium, Nyaya Sadan, where the JHALSA Activity Calendar–2026 and the annual magazine “Nyay Dagar” (Special Issue–2025) were formally released. The event also included a felicitation ceremony for students of the Ranchi Legal Literacy Club.
Focus on Missing Children and Child Trafficking
In his keynote address, Justice Prasad underlined that safeguarding children is a critical responsibility of modern society. He stressed that Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) deployed at police stations, hospitals and other key locations must remain alert and proactive so that immediate action is taken as soon as a child goes missing.
He observed that timely intervention at the initial stage can prevent cases of trafficking and long-term exploitation.
Rehabilitation Beyond Rescue
Justice Prasad noted that while judicial orders and coordinated efforts have led to the rescue of a large number of trafficked children, rehabilitation remains a major challenge. Many rescued children face difficulties in sustaining livelihoods after their return.
He emphasised that such children should be linked with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and social welfare mechanisms so that they are able to rebuild their lives within their home state and are not forced to migrate again in search of work.
Youth Migration a Cause for Concern
Justice Prasad also pointed out that due to the lack of adequate employment opportunities, many youths from Jharkhand are compelled to migrate outside the state, making them vulnerable to exploitation and trafficking networks.
Guidance to District Legal Services Authorities
Justice Prasad urged the Principal District and Sessions Judges-cum-Chairpersons of District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) to give special attention to missing children and trafficking-related cases and ensure that rescued children receive sustained social, legal and economic support.
About the Programme
The programme began at 10.30 am with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Justice Prasad. All District Legal Services Authority chairpersons and secretaries joined the event virtually.
City SP Paras Rana, mediators, panel lawyers, Legal Aid Defence Counsels (LADCs), PLVs, and other dignitaries were present.
The welcome address was delivered by Kumari Ranjana Asthana, Member Secretary, JHALSA, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Abhishek Kumar, Deputy Registrar-cum-Deputy Secretary, JHALSA.
