Problem rooted in traditional ethos: women’s panel chief

Andhra Pradesh Mahila Commission Chairperson Vasireddy Padma on Tuesday urged leaders of various communities to shoulder the responsibility of ushering in social reforms by educating people of their respective sects.

Addressing a State-level interface meeting with SC, ST, BC community leaders on “Prevention of Child Marriages and Promotion of Secondary Education”, organised by Mahita Plan India, in collaboration with the Mahila Commission, Ms. Padma said child marriage was a perennial issue and a hard battle to fight primarily because of its root in traditional, cultural and religious protection.

“The community elders can play a vital role in its eradication by educating people on the banes of the practice and by spreading awareness on how education can light up their lives with prosperity,” she said.

Referring to The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, she confessed that there were enough clauses in the law for stringent punishment to the violators but there were several loose ends at the implementation level. She expressed concern over the high number of child marriage cases in the Krishna district and said economic disparity, illiteracy and girl security were some of the key reasons contributing to the spurt.

‘Health risks’

Ms. Padma said the impact of child marriage could be devastating for the child brides in terms of lost education and earning opportunities besides health risks when giving birth at a young age.

“There is a need for parents to change their mindset. Instead of having their daughters married at a young age citing security as the reason, they should allow them to go to school as they will have a better chance for safety and security, to health and education and to their life choices and decisions when educated,” she said.

She said the ‘Amma Vodi’ scheme and fee-reimbursement for girl children would help a great deal in curbing the problem.

Principal Secretary, Women and Child Welfare Department, Damayanthi, said the problem was intense in specific communities and there was a need for the community elders to do their bit to end the menace.

AP Legal Services Member Secretary Krupa Sagar, State Child Rights Protection Committee chairperson G. Hymavathi, Mahila Commission Director Suez and others were present.