239 child marriages in Karnataka this year
- The State Government has not been able to curb child marriages completely.
- Considering the figures of last one decade proves that the number is increasing in recent times.
- Between 2006 and 2017 a total of 239 child marriages are recorded in the State.
- The only two districts where not a single case of child marriage is reported are Kalaburgi and Chikkamagaluru.
FollowThe State Government has implemented various schemes to facilitate girl children. Free education, uniforms, mid day meals and such other schemes are already in place. The Bhagyalakshmi Bond scheme is very popular. With all this, the State Government has not been able to curb child marriages completely. Considering the figures of the past 3 to 4 years gives a sad picture, reported Kannada Prabha.
The figures recorded in the government records are only an indication. Instances of double the numbers of child marriages are conducted in secrecy. According to the RTI information obtained by the Kannada Prabha, the number of child marriage cases recorded in the year 2016-17 is 76. Considering the figures of last one decade proves that the number is increasing in recent times. Between 2006 and 2010 there are only 16 cases reported. However in 2011 -12 28 cases are reported. The number of minor girls married are Gadag(27), Mandya (22), Raichur (23), Chamarajanagar (18), Bengaluru rural (17).
Between 2006 and 2017 a total of 239 child marriages are recorded in the State. The Women and Child Welfare Department has recorded 47 cases in 2015-16, 76 cases in 2016-17. In Bidar, Kodagu, Kolar and Uttara Kannada one each case are recorded.
The only two districts where not a single case of child marriage is reported are Kalaburgi and Chikkamagaluru. According to Women and Child Welfare Department and some NGOs 65 to 70 per cent child marriages are continued to be conducted at North karnataka region.
Dharawada, Belagavi, Bagalakote, Bellary, Yadagiri and surrounding districts registered large number of child marriages. Most of these child marriages are conducted in secrecy. Dr Krupa Amar Alva, Child Right Activist says it is not possible to give exact figures. Child marriages are rampant in north Karnataka. Only those that are reported are registered and action taken.
