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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

Raj Thackeray tormented over ‘missing kids’ in state

Mumbai : Expressing grave concerns over the steep rise in cases of ‘missing children’ in the state, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray has accused the state government of treating the matter casually and failing to respond to it urgently.   In an open missive on 'X' to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Raj Thackeray quoted data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) pointing at almost an alarming 30 pc increase in the number of children ‘missing’ in the state...

Raj Thackeray tormented over ‘missing kids’ in state

Mumbai : Expressing grave concerns over the steep rise in cases of ‘missing children’ in the state, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray has accused the state government of treating the matter casually and failing to respond to it urgently.   In an open missive on 'X' to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Raj Thackeray quoted data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) pointing at almost an alarming 30 pc increase in the number of children ‘missing’ in the state between 2021-2024.   When asked for his reactions, Fadnavis told media-persons in Nagpur that he had not read the letter, but the issue raised is important and he would reply to it. Fadnavis stated that the NCRB has also provided the reasons why the kids go ‘missing’, how they return and the period, ranging from 3 days to 18 months.   Dwelling on the sufficiency of the NCRB figures, he contended that they reflect only complaints formally registered by the police and thousands of cases may never be reported.   On the ‘rescue, return and reunion’ of such missing children, he pointed to the sheer psychological trauma they may have suffered and sought to know how such child-lifter networks continued to thrive openly and blatantly.   The MNS chief targeted what he claimed was the “state’s lack of proactive measures to identify and dismantle child-begging rackets” as many juveniles can be seen begging at railway stations, bus stands, traffic signals, often accompanied by adults with doubtful authenticity.   “If some woman claims to be the child’s relative or guardian, should the government not order a thorough probe? Is it inappropriate to consider even a DNA test in suspicious cases,” Raj Thackeray demanded.   Slamming the government and the Opposition, he lamented how both sides failed to prioritise such urgent social issues in the legislature where discussions centre around partisan sparring.   The letter also mentions attempts by the Centre to coordinate with states on the ‘missing or trafficked children’, regretting how political upmanships and symbolic debates prevent meaningful action on the ground.   The NCRB said that Maharashtra has consistently ranked among states with the highest number of ‘missing children’, particularly in urban centres like Mumbai, Thane, and Pune.   Simultaneously, experts, child rights NGOs and activists have warned about trafficking networks that exploit poverty, migration and weak law enforcement and low convictions, despite official rescue missions or rehab efforts.   In his appeal, Raj Thackeray called upon Fadnavis to take concrete, visible measures rather than discussions and conventions. “Maharashtra expects decisive steps from you, not speeches. Jai Maharashtra,” he signed off.     In October 2023,Sharad Pawar red-flagged ‘missing girls-women’ This is the second major social cause by a political leader, two years after Nationalist Congress Party (SP) President Sharad Pawar had red-flagged nearly 20,000 ‘missing women and girls’ from the state between Jan-May 2023.   In the present instance, Raj Thackeray said that “behind the statistics lies a far more disturbing reality involving organised, inter-state gangs that kidnap children, physically abuse them and force them into begging rings”.   “Little kids are assaulted, made to beg and shifted across states. Groups of children disappear suddenly, and the government appears unable, or unwilling, to grasp the seriousness of what is happening,” said Thackeray in a strong tone.

Why More Women Are Choosing Entrepreneurship?

Fempreneurs are reshaping the business world — creating, collaborating, and inspiring across generations. Their journey is a powerful reminder that age and dreams know no limits.

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You must have heard the terms 'Entrepreneurs' and 'Women Entrepreneurs'. But have you heard of the term floating around, i.e., 'Fempreneur'?


Fempreneur is a community that provides a platform for women entrepreneurs to interact, learn, build networks, grow, and support their counterparts.


Why Women Choose Entrepreneurship

Flexibility: Gives immense flexibility to operate and run the show at their convenience and however they want.


Gives a sense of independence: It enables women to balance work and home and attain a sense of satisfaction of making a mark for themselves without shedding their other areas of responsibility. This makes them guilt-free and more determined.


Additional income: Provides extra earnings, boosting their financial independence and confidence alongside valuable learning experiences.


Age and Entrepreneurship

There is no specific age for entrepreneurship. We find young-aged entrepreneurs (aged 20-35), middle-aged entrepreneurs (aged 35-55), and old-aged entrepreneurs (aged 55+).


Pros and cons

Young-Aged entrepreneurs: These are the ones who have the courage and vigour to dive very early on, as the crucial factors of age and time are in their hands. Hence, the risk factor is substantially low, and any debacle would be undeterred, as bouncing back would be easier. However, the biggest challenges for them would be financial inflow, establishing a huge network, and building an experience that consumes time in establishing oneself.


Middle-aged entrepreneurs: These individuals seek to fulfill long-held dreams — aspirations of building an identity they once set aside to prioritise family or household responsibilities. Now, they revive those dreams and yearn to reclaim the life they once envisioned. Having navigated many of life’s twists and turns, they have mastered the art of adaptability. Resources are usually less of a constraint, but with experience comes wisdom: they are careful to assess risks realistically and make calculated moves.


Networking can be a challenge, as many of their prime years were spent away from broader social circles. Now, they seek transformation, stepping out of their cocoon to shine like silk. 


Old-aged entrepreneurs: These are the ones with extensive knowledge, grit, and experience, sure of rebuilding their second innings. Often financially stable, but the challenge for these would be to adapt to new technology, as they are used to traditional methodologies. Less tech-savvy which demand time to adapt to the latest innovations.


Nevertheless, 'age is just a number'.


Characteristics of Fempreneurs

· They are big dreamers.

· They are passionate about work and grab opportunities.

· They are multitaskers.

· They like to set their own clock.

· They are confident.

· They are responsible and have a desire to grow.

· They believe in themselves.

· They are learners.

· They like to work independently.

· They learn from life.

· They dream of success.

· They are fearless of bias and opinions.

· They are dynamic and love life.

· They focus on self-improvement.

· They inspire and create an aura of positivity.

· They are always presentable and make a statement.

· They support another woman's rise.

· They practise gratitude.


Fempreneur - the building blocks

Undoubtedly, fempreneurs are the building blocks of a nation, playing a key role in economic growth by creating jobs and empowering others. Their efforts drive higher gender equality, break societal stereotypes, and promote a more progressive society. By dreaming big and turning aspirations into reality through determination, they inspire other women to follow the same rewarding path.


They do face challenges, which they learn to cope with and operate seamlessly. When these women choose lending hands over competition, the scale of success would be unfathomable, as time and again they have proven their abilities and leadership qualities. When there is a sense of sisterhood, the equation changes amongst them, and a more harmonious, collaborative environment arises, which benefits a larger mass.


Walk together with hands held together, as the quote says, "When women gather together in a circle, the world heals a little better."


I have been blessed and lucky enough to be a part of such communities, and I see myself learning, growing, and evolving.


Come, let's walk together and make a huge difference.


(The author is an educator based in Thane.)

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