Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jun 21: The state of Karnataka has witnessed a concerning upward trend in child marriage cases, with the numbers rising from 2,290 in 2020 to 3,127 in 2024. Except for a slight decrease in 2023, the overall graph of complaints is pointing upwards.

The districts of Mandya and Mysuru have reported over 200 complaints each, while 11 other districts have recorded more than 100 complaints. In response to this sudden spike, the government has decided to deeply study the pre-Covid records of 2018 and 2019 alongside the current contributing factors.

State-level committee formed

To strictly adhere to the Supreme Court's order and to completely curb this social evil, the Karnataka government has formed a state-level coordination and review committee. Chaired by the additional chief secretary and development commissioner, the committee recently held a crucial meeting to analyze the alarming statistics of the last five years and expressed grave concern over the significant increase in complaints.

Strict legal framework and penalties

Karnataka boasts some of the most stringent and progressive laws against child marriage in the country, having introduced significant amendments to the central Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. Organising an engagement or making preparations for a minor's marriage is considered a punishable offense, and such engagements are declared illegal and void.

Parents, relatives, and attendees who encourage, prepare for, or perform child marriages face a minimum of two years of rigorous imprisonment. Violators can also be penalized with a fine of up to Rs 1 lac. These crimes are treated as non-bailable and non-compoundable offenses.

Decentralisation and mass responsibility

To detect and prevent child marriages at an early stage, the government has decentralised responsibilities. A broad network of child marriage prohibition officers has been established from the village to the district level. Grama panchayat development officers (PDOs), village administrative officers, school headmasters, and anganwadi workers have been designated as prohibition officers with legal responsibilities. If a student is absent from school for more than three consecutive days, headmasters and co-teachers are mandated to visit the child's home to assess their situation.

Marriage venues such as kalyana mantapas, temples, churches, mosques, and mass marriage organizers must compulsorily verify age proof documents. Direct criminal cases will be filed and licenses cancelled against venue owners, managers, wedding card printers, priests, khazis, or religious leaders who facilitate child marriages.

Rescue and rehabilitation

The state has activated the 24/7 toll-free Childline (1098) and women's helpline (181) for public complaints, guaranteeing strict confidentiality for the informants. Officials first attempt to secure a written undertaking from the parents; if they refuse, the officials are fully empowered to obtain an emergency stay order from the first class judicial magistrate to halt the wedding on the spot. Rescued children are taken into the government's care through state homes and 'Sakhi' one-stop centers, which provide free safe shelter, continued education, protection, and expert psychological counseling.

Challenges and loopholes

Despite these robust measures, the committee noted a significant gap between the complaints filed and the marriages prevented. In 2024, out of the 3,127 complaints received, 2,323 child marriages were successfully stopped. However, 804 child marriages still took place, escaping the officials' radar.

The conviction rate remains drastically low, with only three convictions in 2020, 10 in 2021, and a mere one conviction in 2024. To address these gaps, the home and law departments are coordinating to tighten investigations and legal procedures.

Empowerment and future action plan

Recognising that fear of punishment alone cannot eradicate this issue, the government is focusing heavily on economic and social empowerment. Schemes offering free bus passes, bicycles, hostels, and scholarships have been implemented to prevent school dropouts. The 'Bhagyalakshmi' scheme indirectly controls early marriages by offering financial incentives once the girl turns 18.

Furthermore, the administration is planning several new monitoring and training initiatives. A special training module is being prepared for grassroots workers to identify vulnerable children. The education department is tasked with tracking chronically absent girls, and grama panchayat education task forces will ensure the continuation of education for rescued girls. Best-performing panchayats will be awarded a child marriage-free gram panchayat award.

The government's press release urged citizens to play their part in saving innocent children from the dark future associated with early pregnancies by actively reporting suspected incidents to the designated helplines.