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Source: TH
Context:
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data for 2023 revealed that crimes against children recorded the sharpest increase in Assam, Rajasthan, and Kerala, even as the national average rose by 25%. These trends reflect both policy-driven interventions and improvements in classification and reporting of offences against minors.
National Overview
- Overall crimes against children in India rose by 25% in 2023 compared to the 2018–2022 average.
- However, Assam, Rajasthan, and Kerala saw exceptional increases ranging from 70% to over 100%, each driven by different underlying factors.
State-Wise Highlights
| State | Increase & Key Drivers (2023) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Assam | Cases nearly doubled (~5,100 → 10,000). Surge driven by strict enforcement of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006; child marriage cases rose from ~150/year to 5,267. | Reflects state-led crackdown, not necessarily higher incidence. |
| Rajasthan | Cases up ~70% (~6,200 → 10,500). Driven by reclassification of offences (Section 376 IPC → POCSO provisions) and rise in child kidnapping/abduction. | Rise reflects both better categorisation and a genuine increase in child-related crimes. |
| Kerala | Cases up ~106% (~2,800 → 5,900+). Surge linked to POCSO cases and improved reporting. | Indicates enhanced law enforcement responsiveness and greater social awareness of child protection laws. |