Pune: Preventing Child Marriage In Tribal Communities Becomes Challenging For Authorities
Pune, 13th November 2022: While there is a law not to marry a girl child before the age of 18 years, the tribal Katkari community still has a deadly practice of child marriage. It is a shocking reality that tribal girls become mothers of three to four children due to child marriage before they turn 18. There is a big challenge in front of the government and administration to prevent child marriage of these tribals.
The tribal Katkari community lives in the Sahyadri hills in the Sinhagad fort area, further from Khadakwasla village. Awareness about basic needs like food, clothing, shelter, health and education is still far away from this society. Being separated from the mainstream of society, the undesirable practices and traditions that have been going on for years are continuing in the tribal Katkari society. Due to poverty and ignorance, the marriage of boys and girls at a young age is a practice, and much serious health and other problems are seen in these Katkari settlements.
Due to child marriage, young girls have to bear the pain of childbirth at an early age. Shockingly, the life of both the young mother and the baby is at risk as the proper pre-delivery medication is not taken, and the delivery also takes place in the hut. Unfortunately, mothers and children may also die in this, but the information about this remains away from the administration of child marriage.
Reasons for child marriage
•Backward thinking due to ignorance.
•Preference for traditional customs and traditions.
•The challenge of caring for girls up to 18 years.
•Ignorance of law due to lack of education.
•Apathy of administration.
Duties of Child Marriage Prevention Officer
•Complete prevention of child marriage.
•To collect evidence and take appropriate action against the person who does not comply with this Act.
• To create awareness and public awareness about the harmful effects of child marriage in society.
•Child Marriage Prevention Officer may be given the same powers as a Police Inspector to ensure strict compliance with the provisions of this Act.
“If there is child marriage in the village, it is the responsibility of the sarpanch, gram Sevak and talathi to inform about it. Due to ignorance, the practice of child marriage continues in tribal society. It is necessary to create public awareness among them about the serious problems caused by child marriage and understand their problems and take appropriate measures,” Akshada Shinde, Integrated Women and Child Development Project Officer and Child Marriage Prevention Officer, Panchayat Samiti Haveli, said.
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