As rightly said sexual exploitation has become a rampant, persistent and a burning issue of today's time. Though the people are highly educated, well versed with the rights guaranteed to them by the constitution. But still certain instances in the society make us reach at a conclusion that we lack somewhere in the proper implementation of the laws. The ultimate goal or objective is to render punishment to the wrongdoers that in turn affects the society at large.

These inhumane activities does not only affect society but it creates high trauma in the young blood of the nation. It is generally perceived that India will become almost independent when it's each and every citizen especially women and girls will be treated at par with males and have equal rights like them. Although, we are inching forward towards betterment but yet our aim is to get complete independence in all dimensions.

My personal opinion and views are always inclined towards the primary goal i.e to educate child. Since educating a child means educating the entire family. And education will constructively help them to know about the consequences, remedies and penal provisions of such abusive acts happened or committed to them. Education is the key that opens all the locks of ambiguities and confusion and provide us with a better perspective towards life.

Basically childhood is the age where the child deserves love and affection from family but we can vividly see that various children are deprived of these rights due to early exploitation of them.

Classification of child exploitation:

• Physical exploitation – It clearly showcases the wrong treatment done to a child in physical form. It can be forced labour or child trafficking for wrongful gains.
• Sexual exploitation – It vividly expresses physical involvement with a child. It can be in the form of penetrative sexual assault or sexual harassment. It creates a negative picture of the wrongdoer in the mind of the child. This is the worst form of exploitation.
• Emotional exploitation – It explicitly means showing the victim something that is not normal or that is obviously obscene, vulgar, or indecent in nature. For example, showing pornography to a child is an offence.
  

Legal framework available:

India has certain legislations that control and punish the exploitation of children:

• POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act), 2012
• BNS (Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita), 2023
• Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956
• Information Technology Act, 2000
  

Causes of child exploitation:

• Insufficiency of money – It is a primary reason for child abuse. Families who cannot afford the basic needs of a child expose their child to exploitation for wrongful gains.
• Non-availability of quality education – If no proper education is imparted to a child, it is likely that he/she may get involved in illicit acts, which will affect them and others too.
• No proper recognition of rights – If a child lacks proper understanding of their rights, it will have serious consequences. For example, they can be forced to work in hazardous industries and factories or be denied quality education. For all these aspects, they have rights under the Constitution and should avail these rights no matter the circumstances.
• Delay in implementation of laws – Though there are laws made to prohibit the exploitation of children, their visible effect at the grassroots level is often not implemented effectively.
• Relocating to urban areas – Generally, in search of employment, people move from one place to another. Children also suffer during such transitions. If they are unable to find suitable jobs, they may get involved in crimes or be exploited for vested gains.
  

Effects of child exploitation:

• Psychological state of the aggrieved – Abuse puts a negative effect on the victim. The person gets emotionally scarred and traumatized, which in turn affects their mental state.
• Physical condition of the victim – If a person is abused, harassed, or exploited, they may be exposed to injuries, leading to weakness. It takes time to heal from such trauma.
• Creates stress and mental pressure – Exploitation creates high stress and mental pressure on the victim. They may become confused or unconscious of the consequences of their actions, leading to violent situations.
• Social reputation disturbance – Victims often feel uncomfortable facing people and may feel offended or embarrassed.

Child exploitation can be interrelated with child marriage. Since as per my believe due to early marriages, child's life gets exploited and then barely he gets time to think about him for his enhancement. He gets entangled with family responsibilities in a age where he should be given the best of the education.

In simple words, child marriage is the solemnisation of marriage between 2 genders at a tender age. It is without the consent of the children. They are forced to do so. This is the age old practice, as the people of early time lacked basic knowledge and importance to educate a child rather than to get him married. I think that in present time the situation is gradually changing. People are becoming more concerned to educate their child with the best of the resources available with them.

These instances are clearly showcasing the evil concept that was practised prior. It even exists in certain parts of the country. Now we are in the 21st century where we have been modernised, digitalised, urbanised, and slowly people are playing proactive role to spread the reach of education, saying no to early marriage and preventing exploitation and child oppression at every level starting from within family.

The harsh reality draws our attention that we ofcourse need to stop this practice and also sensitize people for such brutal acts.
Child prostitution is still in existence where parents out of financial crunches compel their children to engage in such illicit activities in order to sustain their livelihood. The children are deadly purchased and sold without thinking about their future.

Recommendations:

• Stringent policies must be made – Policies will help in eliminating such brutal, immoral, and unethical practices.
• Policies must be properly implemented – Although it must be implemented properly, so that the victim gets adequate justice and compensation.
• Must be reviewed by highly qualified professionals – There must be highly qualified professionals who would review the laws and their implementation procedure for effective running of the system.
• Proper penal provisions for wrongdoers – There must be penal punishment for the accused or the wrongdoers. They are the main culprits who must be put behind bars.
• Child-friendly trial and speedy trial – Must be there for the fast dispensing of justice.
• Victim to get justice in every circumstance – The ultimate and sole purpose is to render as much justice to the affected person, i.e., the victim.
• Informative sessions should be conducted in educational institutions – It will help everyone to get acquainted with their rights and make sure that nobody infringes upon them.
• Rehabilitation camps for victims of sexual exploitation – To be inculcated along with community awareness to stop such brutal practices.

Conclusion
Though this is a self explanatory issue that emphasizes on the importance of enhancing the legislative reforms, upgrading the sessions conducted at educational institutions, making a social change by rehabilitating and compensating the victim. With the help of these things, I think we as a unified entity will surely eliminate such illicit acts in the upcoming time.