Tamil Nadu: Officials Stop the Wedding of a 15-Year-Old

The marriage of 15-year-old girl that was scheduled to take place this month at Poolavari near Veerapandi, Salem Tamil Nadu was stopped by district child protection officials on Tuesday. The team of the officials was led by district child protection officer and got a tip off from the district collector Rohini R Bhajibhakare.

The District Child Protection Officer, said, "We were informed that the girl had just appeared for her Class X exams. The parents were planning to get her married to a daily wage labourer on Wednesday at a temple at Poolavari."

After the rescuing process, the team counselled the parents. The girl was produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). The effects of child marriage were explained to the parents. Further, the team warned the parents of the actions that can be taken if they conduct their daughter’s marriage before she reaches the legal age.

Also: Girl Rescued From Child Marriage Scores 86% In Intermediate Exam

The team has obtained an assurance letter from the parents who have given a written statement assuring that they would not get her married until she turns 18.

Later, the 15-year-old was allowed to go with her parents.

An official said, "We, along with the education department, will make necessary arrangements for the girl to continue her studies." Officials alleged that the girl will be under monitoring until she turns 18.

According to UNICEF reports, Child marriages are declining in India. According to the report, about 720 million women alive today were married before the age of 18. The trend of underage marriages is stronger among girl children.

Also: 78 Percent of Child Marriage Victims Have Health Issues: Study

According to 2011 Census, No new marriages below the age of 10 were reported. Still, India has about 70 districts that report a “high incidence” of underage marriages spread across different states.

Incidents like this show  that India needs new ways to fight the menace of child marriages. Despite various laws which make child marriages illegal, this practice is deeply rooted in the traditions of our society.

Also Read: Dadri: Gutsy Granny Saves Granddaughter from Child Marriage