Are Fake Aadhaar Cards Being Used to Conceal Child Marriages in TN?
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Synopsis
In Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri district, authorities have uncovered alarming cases of families using fake Aadhaar cards to disguise child marriages. This shocking revelation, brought to light by the PICME system, raises serious concerns about the exploitation of underage girls and the complicity of some health officials. What measures will be taken to combat this issue?
Key Takeaways
- Authorities have identified six cases of Aadhaar tampering to conceal child marriages.
- The fraud was uncovered through the PICME monitoring system.
- Some health officials may have facilitated these illegal activities.
- A special team will be formed to investigate the matter further.
- Community awareness is crucial to combat child marriages.
Chennai, June 18 (NationPress) Authorities in the Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu have discovered at least six instances where families of underage girls allegedly manipulated Aadhaar card information to conceal child marriages and evade legal repercussions.
The occurrences were reported over the past six months from the Kelamangalam block.
The deception was revealed through the Pregnancy and Infant Cohort Monitoring and Evaluation (PICME) system—a digital tracking platform employed by the state health department to oversee pregnant women.
During routine data entry, health officials identified inconsistencies between the girls’ Aadhaar-linked PICME records and the physical Aadhaar cards they possessed.
In one particular case, a 14-year-old girl married to a 29-year-old man visited the Nagamangalam Primary Health Centre in late May to register her pregnancy. While her Aadhaar card indicated her age as 20, the PICME records accurately reflected her true age as 14. Upon further investigation, the girl and her husband confessed that they had modified the Aadhaar date of birth at a local browsing center in Denkanikottai for Rs 200 to escape arrest under child marriage laws.
The girl was subsequently referred to the Hosur Government Hospital, where an Accident Register (AR) entry was recorded, and the matter was reported to the Denkanikottai All Women’s Police Station. Further inquiries revealed that counterfeit Aadhaar cards were being produced for Rs 500 at various browsing centers and photo studios in Rayakottai and Denkanikottai.
Shockingly, some health department personnel were reportedly involved in facilitating this fraud.
Dr. C. Rajesh Kumar, the Kelamangalam Block Medical Officer, confirmed that a team would be dispatched to inspect the identified browsing centers and studios. “Village Health Nurses have been cautioned against participating in any such illegal activities,” he stated, noting that a health worker in Bettamugilalam panchayat had already been dismissed for aiding Aadhaar tampering.
Dr. G. Ramesh Kumar, the District Health Officer, remarked, “All staff will be trained to report such incidents. Supporting child marriage in any capacity will not be accepted.”
From April 2024 to March 2025, a total of 545 teenage pregnancies were recorded in Krishnagiri district, with the highest numbers in Shoolagiri (81), Krishnagiri rural (72), and Kelamangalam (66).
District Collector C. Dinesh announced that a special team would be established to investigate and take action against those involved in Aadhaar tampering and child marriage.
Point of View
It's essential to emphasize that the issue of child marriage is not just a local concern but a national crisis. The exploitation of young girls undermines their rights and future. The findings in Krishnagiri highlight the urgent need for stricter regulations and community awareness to protect vulnerable populations from such heinous practices.
NationPress
18/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PICME system?
The Pregnancy and Infant Cohort Monitoring and Evaluation (PICME) system is a digital platform used by Tamil Nadu's health department to monitor pregnant women and track maternal health.
How are fake Aadhaar cards being produced?
Fake Aadhaar cards are reportedly being created at local browsing centers and photo studios for a fee, allowing families to conceal the true ages of underage girls.
What measures are being taken against those involved?
Authorities have announced the formation of a special team to investigate the incidents of Aadhaar tampering and child marriage, with strict actions promised against those found complicit.
What are the legal implications of child marriage in India?
Child marriage is illegal in India, and those involved can face severe legal consequences, including imprisonment and fines.
How can communities help prevent child marriages?
Communities can help by raising awareness, reporting suspicious activities, and supporting local initiatives aimed at educating families about the legal age for marriage.
