Child marriages threat to societal welfare: Minister

Speaking after inaugurating Kukkikatte Sri Krishnabalaneekethan’s annual day celebrations and summer camp here on Tuesday, he said that the government is aware of child rights and has set up a helpline to solve the problems encountered by the children.

Expressing concern over the increasing number of child marriage cases in North Karnataka region, he said that child marriages are of great threat to the welfare of the society. It shatters the physical and societal development of a child. Irrespective of much legislation introduced to counter the evil practice, many cases do take place here and there and calls for immediate attention, he added.

There are as many as 1.68 crore children in the age group of 1 to 14 in the State. Society has borne with the responsibility to develop a child in all promising ways, he added. Pejawar seer Sri Vishweshatheertha Swamiji, ZP CEO Pranesh Rao, Former Secretary of State Women and Child Welfare Department Dr Ashwath, Kumbahshi Aanegudde Temple Dharmadarshi Suryanarayan Upadhayay, Andaru Deviparsad Shetty, Shantha Acharya and others were present.