The Andhra Pradesh government has initiated Operation TRACE, a month-long campaign from August 1 to August 31 aimed at tracing missing girls across the state and reuniting them with their families. Coordinated by the women and child safety wing under the leadership of State Director General of Police (DGP) Harish Kumar Gupta, the operation uses advanced technologies such as facial recognition, Aadhaar verification, and surveillance at key transport hubs and border checkposts.
It follows a comprehensive five-point strategy: Trace, Reconnect, Assist, Counsel, and Empower. The campaign also seeks public cooperation to report any leads via dedicated helplines, thereby integrating community involvement into what officials describe as an urgent and compassionate initiative.
Operation TRACE: Technology Meets Compassionate Action
To combat the rising incidence of missing girls in Andhra Pradesh, Operation TRACE adopts a multi-pronged approach. It leverages technological tools including the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS), the Mission Vatsalya Portal for child welfare, facial recognition software, and widespread monitoring at railway stations, bus terminals, and state border checkposts. Women police officers are deployed extensively at vulnerable locations to enhance surveillance and assist in tracing efforts.
Rescued girls receive holistic care through temporary shelters coordinated by Child Welfare Committees. These facilities offer medical attention, psychological counselling, legal assistance, and age verification services. Collaborations with NGOs are instrumental in delivering these comprehensive support mechanisms. Furthermore, the campaign prioritises empowerment initiatives such as education, vocational training, and access to government welfare schemes.
Community awareness plays a critical role in the campaign’s success. The government has mobilised ‘Shakti Warriors,’ community volunteers who create awareness in schools and neighbourhoods. The “FIND HER” initiative encourages public vigilance and cooperation, underscoring the belief that social responsibility is key to the campaign’s goals.
Context and Background: Tackling a Persistent Challenge
The genesis of Operation TRACE lies in the worrying escalation of missing persons’ cases in Andhra Pradesh, particularly involving girls. Since 2009, nearly 48,000 such cases have been reported, highlighting the urgent need for a sustained and strategic response. Past intelligence-driven rescues, which utilised CCTV footage and mobile tower triangulation, have demonstrated the efficacy of using technology for swift recovery.
Building on these successes, the state government has institutionalised these tools and processes, aiming to standardise rapid response protocols statewide. The operation also seeks to improve procedural transparency by intensifying verification of reported cases and conducting regular inspections of child shelters—from district to sub-divisional levels—to prevent abuses.
Officials emphasise that Operation TRACE is not just about tracing missing girls but also about safeguarding their rights, dignity, and future opportunities. By strengthening coordination among law enforcement, child welfare bodies, NGOs, and communities, the government aims to create a protective ecosystem for vulnerable children.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Operation TRACE is a notable step forward, combining high-end technology with empathy and community action, creating a blueprint for protecting vulnerable girls with dignity and care. The Logical Indian applauds the Andhra Pradesh government for this balanced initiative which not only focuses on rescue but also rehabilitation and empowerment.
We believe that such efforts need the backing of society at large, as government efforts alone cannot seal the gaps. Public vigilance, awareness, and kindness must complement official actions to build a safer environment for all children.
