Latur: Rupali Chakankar, the Women’s Commission Chief of Maharashtra, has sounded the alarm about a significant surge in child marriages in the state following the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.
In a recent press conference on Monday, Chakankar made a significant announcement. It was revealed that a remarkable 37 child marriages were successfully averted in the district of Latur. Out of these cases, legal measures were taken in two instances to ensure the prevention of such marriages.
Despite the absence of solid data to back her statement, Chakankar maintained her position on the escalating issue of child marriage in Maharashtra. However, she refrained from providing a specific timeframe for the reported rise.
Action Against Child Marriages Must
Chakankar urged, “ The gram sabhas must take immediate measures against those involved in this crime and pass resolutions aimed at curbing this harmful practice of child marriage..”
She further stated, “Whosoever is found involved should be severely punished, even including organizations printing wedding invites and providing other wedding-related services.”
Technology: A Contributing Factor of Child Marriages
Chakankar said that the root cause of this evil concerning the early marriage of children, in general, is deeply rooted in the advent of mobile phones and their penetration in day-to-day houses.
She said that mobile phones and other forms of technology created a ‘communication gap’ between the elders and their children, increasing the chances of children making decisions on their own and eventually eloping with their lovers.
Resolution of Over 18000 Complaints Against Child Marriages
“ From around 28 districts, including Latur, approximately 18,000 complaints have been settled by the Women’s Commission. This resolution resulted from Mahila Aayog Aplya Dari–an initiative the commission took,” the Chief added.
The Commission also stated that they received around 93 complaints in Latur on Monday alone. These complaints will specifically be resolved by the three panels created for resolution as made sure by the commission.
Eminent Figures Attend Child Marriage Press Conference
Several prominent figures attended the press conference. Some known names were MLC Vikram Kale, Collector Varsha Thakur-Ghuge, Superintendent of Police Somay Munde, and ZP Chief Executive Officer Anmol Sagar.
Their presence underscored the seriousness of the issue of child marriage and demonstrated unified support for addressing the growing problem of child marriages, particularly in the state of Maharashtra.
Child Marriages: A Big Problem
Child marriage, a practice closely linked to poverty, has been found to heighten the vulnerabilities faced by young girls. According to recent studies, young girls who enter into marriage early often face social isolation and a lack of support from their family, friends, and other networks.
According to recent findings, individuals in this particular group may potentially encounter a higher likelihood of experiencing limited opportunities for education and decent work. Despite implementing the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2006), the prevalence of child marriage persists, with various factors contributing to its continuation.
These factors span the socio-ecological spectrum and encompass structural inequalities and regressive social norms.
A Wake-Up Call Against Child Marriages
Chakankar’s warning functions as a wake-up call for the state, instructing authorities, community leaders, and families to take farsighted measures to contain child marriages and safeguard the future of young girls and boys.
As the COVID-19 pandemic persists to have far-reaching social and economic consequences, it is vital to address the emerging challenges, such as the disturbing increase in child marriages, to guarantee the well-being and rights of minors across Maharashtra.
