Why is K'taka CM Siddaramaiah Raising Concerns Over Child Marriages?

Bengaluru, May 30 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, has criticized the Deputy Commissioners in the state for their inability to monitor child marriages effectively. He expressed his disappointment during a review meeting with Deputy Commissioners and Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officers, questioning, "How come instances of child marriages aren't reaching your attention? Are your staff failing to report these incidents? If they are not informing you, it suggests a lack of competence on your part. It also indicates that you do not have control over your officials, and they are not intimidated by you."

He highlighted that this year alone, 700 child marriages have occurred, along with alarming reports of girls becoming mothers at a young age. The Chief Minister noted that in many cases, FIRs have not been filed.

"How can we witness 700 child marriages even after decades of independence? Laws exist to prevent child marriage, yet enforcement remains ineffective in numerous regions. Isn’t that a failure?" he asked emphatically.

The CM also remarked that 1,395 cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act have been registered this year. He insisted on strict legal action in all such instances, urging that criminal charges be lodged against offenders and that appropriate punishments be ensured.

Furthermore, he pointed out that the maternal mortality rate in Karnataka exceeds that of Kerala. Although there has been a 30% reduction compared to the previous year, he emphasized the need for further improvements by increasing institutional deliveries, acquiring necessary medical equipment, and implementing rigorous measures.

He stressed the importance of prioritizing land availability for crematoriums and burial grounds, suggesting that if government land is unavailable, private land should be procured.

Despite prior instructions to revoke ineligible ration cards, progress remains unsatisfactory. Currently, around 74% of ration cards in the state are categorized as BPL (Below Poverty Line). The CM highlighted the need to identify and remove ineligible cardholders to ensure that deserving families benefit.

In reviewing district-wise data on farmer suicides, the Chief Minister expressed outrage upon discovering that relief is pending in 13 cases. He demanded accountability from the responsible Deputy Commissioners.

He specified that in two districts, including Haveri, a total of 13 farmer suicide cases are still awaiting relief. The Chief Minister ordered that these cases be resolved swiftly and compensation be disbursed as soon as possible.