Activist urges CM Siddaramaiah for free education to kids till 18 years

Bengaluru: Welcoming the government’s move to criminalise child betrothals, Vasudev Sharma, executive director of Child Rights Trust, has urged CM Siddaramaiah to extend free and compulsory education to all children up to the age of 18 years.

On July 7, DH had reported that the government is drafting a bill to criminalise child engagement. Referring to reports in DH and its sister publication Prajavani, Sharma wrote a letter to the CM in support of the move.

“There have been several instances where child marriages are disguised as engagements. By criminalising betrothal itself, the law can help prevent such marriages,” Sharma said.

He also urged the government to amend related laws to reinforce the intent of the new bill.