Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru/Udupi (SS)

Mangaluru/Udupi, Oct 12: Child marriages are still prevalent in the twin coastal districts which have a considerably high literacy rate in the country.

According to government data, starting from 2017-18 to 2022, 96 cases of child marriages have come to light in the twin coastal districts. In Dakshina Kannada district, out of 66 cases 57 of them were detected at the last minute and stopped while in Udupi district, out of 30 cases 27 of them were stopped.

Representational image

Despite the high level of social awareness 12 child marriages have been reported in the coastal districts for which FIRs have been filed.

The government has identified 58,000 officials to stop child marriages in the state at the district, taluk and the gram panchayat level. This includes the onerous responsibility that lies in the hands of officials of Department of Women and Child Welfare Empowerment, Police department and officials of 10 other departments.

Social awareness is being created through various campaigns through social media, street plays and programmes against the social evil of child marriages.

Locals can register complaints of child marriage incidences to the officials of the concerned departments or the nearest police stations which will help officials visit the spots at the earliest and take suitable action.

In many families, girls are still being married off at the age of 16-17 years for financial and social reasons and also due to lack of awareness or education. Child marriages deprive girls of education as they are likely to be saddled with additional responsibility at a young age and are also likely to be exploited, according to a government department official.