New Delhi, March 17 A parliamentary panel has recommended that the Delhi Police undertake a sociological study with reputed universities and research institutions on cases of missing persons, for policy formulation, preventive strategies, and improved tracking mechanisms.
In its report tabled in both Houses of the Parliament on Tuesday, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs noted that cases relating to missing persons, particularly women, children, and vulnerable individuals, have "significant social and security implications" in a metropolitan city like Delhi.
The panel, chaired by BJP MP Radha Mohan Das Agrawal, was of the view that a data-driven and research-oriented approach is necessary to understand the underlying socio-economic, demographic, and behavioural factors contributing to such cases.
"Therefore, the Committee recommends that the Delhi Police may undertake a comprehensive sociological study in collaboration with reputed universities and research institutions to analyse the patterns and root causes of missing persons' cases," the panel said in its 257th report.
The report on Demands for Grants for 2026-27 stated that the study may include a comparative analysis of missing rates in Delhi with other metropolitan cities in India and selected international cities to identify best practices and systemic gaps.
"The findings of such a study may be utilized for policy formulation, preventive strategies, improved tracking mechanisms, and community-based interventions," it said.
The Committee also asked the Delhi Police to prepare a phased and time-bound roadmap to enhance the strength of women personnel to at least 33 per cent of the total sanctioned strength.
"The Committee notes that increasing the representation of women in police forces is essential for promoting gender-sensitive policing, improving public trust, and enhancing response to crimes against women and vulnerable sections," it said.
The panel has opined that, as the National Capital with a diverse and dense population, Delhi requires a strengthened and balanced force structure reflecting adequate representation of women personnel at all levels.
"Focused recruitment drives, adequate training capacity, provision of suitable infrastructure including separate accommodation and facilities, and enabling service conditions may be ensured to achieve this objective in a sustainable manner," it said.
The panel also asked the Delhi Police to adopt a more citizen-friendly approach, as it noted that "hesitation among citizens to visit police stations often stems from perceptions of inaccessibility, lack of transparency, and discomfort in interacting with personnel."
"Such barriers have the potential to discourage crime reporting, weaken community participation, and reduce trust in law enforcement.
The panel also recommended steps such as establishing dedicated One-Stop Citizen Service Desks at police stations to assist visitors with inquiries and reporting procedures; deploying Community Liaison Officers for outreach and follow-up with local communities; and creating Victim Support Corners to provide private and supportive spaces for women, children, and senior citizens.