'Mass marriages reason for increase in cx'

Two-day workshop for PDOs of five taluks of Mysore

District principal and sessions court judge Mohan Sripad Sankolli remarked that mass marriage is one of the main reasons for rise in child marriages as the event takes place without verification of the age of bride, and is easier to manage for families.

He was speaking at inauguration of two day workshop on ‘international anti drugs consumption day, eradicating women and child trafficking, prohibition of child marriage’ for Panchayat Development Officers at JSS law college in Mysore on Friday.

Opining that child marriage ends choices for children forever, he said, 45 per cent of girls get married before attaining 18 years and four per cent of adolescent girls become mothers between 15 -18 years.

Sankolli said, India does not lack laws but demands effective implementation. “Even though laws are in existence for many years, people remain ignorant,” he added.

He said the country has 40 per cent of the world’s child marriages due to illiteracy, poverty and lack of awareness. Other reasons include getting a women married, believing that a husband’s house is more secure.

Human trafficking

Sankolli expressed regret over India securing 12th place among countries high in human trafficking according to a report published by UNICEF.

He said the workshop would help participants spread awareness to those who were unaware of laws, regulations and policies.

Drug intake

Sankolli said in competitive world, increased demand for outstanding results in academic performances provides no outlet for children’s emotions, which in turn results in them taking refuge in drugs.

Elaborating he said, the country’s transitional phase has seen increased addiction to drugs, whereas both consumption and production was on the decline in the USA and Europe.

Principal civil judge (senior grade) B Nandakumar striking a note on existing evils said, reason of any problem should be researched first which helps in solving it.

The concept of child marriage is a meaningless term which pushes girls into handling responsibility which they are unaware of. Poverty stricken families in fear of society find themselves helpless in avoiding their girl’s early marriage.

Official’s role

Officials should play major role in implementing policies effectively and people should oppose when when injustice is meted out to them.

“Each individual has his own responsibility in society and should move forward to get their basic amenities which to some extent avoids dreadful happenings,” he observed.

Principal of college K S Suresh and deputy director of women and child welfare department N R Vijay were present.

More than 40 PDOs from five taluks K R Nagar, Mysore, T Narasipur, H D Kote, Nanjangud participated in the two day workshop organised.