Mandya District Administration Reports Significant Drop in Child Marriage Cases
In a significant development for social reform in Karnataka, Mandya deputy commissioner Kumara on Wednesday highlighted a substantial decrease in child marriage cases within the district. Describing the practice as a deep-rooted social evil, he emphasized that education remains the most effective and lasting solution to completely eradicate this harmful tradition.
Sharp Decline in Reported Cases
Addressing a public awareness rally and oath-taking ceremony at Maddur as part of the 'Child-Marriage-Free Mandya' campaign, Kumara provided compelling statistics. The district recorded 78 cases between April 2023 and March 2024, which decreased to 57 during the April 2024 to March 2025 period. Most notably, since then, the number has seen a dramatic fall to just 14 cases to date.
"Compared to the last three years, the number of cases reduced to 14 this year, reinforcing our resolve to eliminate child marriage completely," Kumara stated during the event. He expressed confidence that this downward trend signifies progress toward the district administration's goal of creating a child-marriage-free Mandya.
Education as the Cornerstone Solution
The deputy commissioner stressed that true district development can only be achieved when women are accorded dignity, respect, and equal status in society. He identified education as the fundamental tool to combat not only child marriage but also the illiteracy and deep-seated superstitions that perpetuate such harmful practices.
Kumara made it clear that ending child marriage is not merely the government's responsibility but a collective duty of society. He urged all citizens to act with humanity and compassion while ensuring strict adherence to legal provisions that prohibit child marriage.
Broad-Based Community Participation
The awareness rally witnessed extensive participation from various stakeholders, demonstrating a unified approach to the issue. Representatives from the district administration, women and child development department, education department, non-governmental organizations, students, teachers, and members of the public joined the march.
The event highlighted the damaging impact of child marriage on multiple aspects of children's lives, including:
- Disruption of education and academic opportunities
- Adverse effects on physical and mental health
- Limitation of future prospects and personal development
Presence of Key Officials
The ceremony saw the participation of several dignitaries and officials who reinforced the administration's commitment to the cause. Notable attendees included:
- Senior civil judge and district legal services authority member-secretary Anand M
- Superintendent of Police VJ Shobharani
- Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights member Venkatesh
- Senior judges Harini and Nalini
- Maddur tahsildar
Their presence underscored the multi-departmental and judicial support for the campaign against child marriage in Mandya district.
