Intervention Prevents Child Marriage in Thane, Maharashtra
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Synopsis
Authorities in Thane, Maharashtra, successfully intervened to prevent a child marriage involving a 16-year-old girl and a 24-year-old man. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about child marriage in the region and its implications on children's rights.
Key Takeaways
- Timely intervention by authorities halted a child marriage.
- The groom was 24 years old, while the bride was just 16.
- The girl's father’s illness prompted the family to rush the wedding.
- A case has been filed under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.
- The NCPCR emphasizes the serious effects of child marriage on minors.
Thane, Feb 26 (NationPress) Authorities successfully prevented an attempt to wed a 16-year-old girl in Thane district, Maharashtra, on Wednesday, as per official reports.
The girl was supposed to marry a 24-year-old man from Solapur.
Action was initiated after the Child Welfare Department in Pune received an anonymous tip, leading to the interruption of the wedding ceremony in the Ulhasnagar region of Thane.
Ramkrishna Reddy, the Child Welfare Officer for Thane, stated, “Upon receiving the alert, our team rushed to the location where family members and guests had gathered for the wedding.”
Once the ceremony was halted, the officials spoke with the parents of both the minor girl and the groom.
During the inquiry, it was disclosed that the girl's father was gravely ill, prompting the family to expedite the marriage, according to officials.
A case has been filed against the groom, both families, the officiating priest, and others under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. The girl is now placed in a remand home.
The National Commission For Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) highlights that child marriage robs children of their childhood and violates their rights to education, health, and protection, leading to serious repercussions for individuals, families, and society.
Despite a decline in child marriages, the issue remains alarmingly prevalent. The NCPCR stated: “Girls married as minors encounter hurdles in education, financial independence, and community engagement, along with heightened risks of domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, and complications from early childbirth. While both genders are affected, girls bear the brunt of this issue.”
