Odisha: Despite government measures to check child marriages, 10 cases reported every week

BHUBANESWAR: Despite several measures, initiated by the state government, around 10-12 cases of child marriage are still being reported every week across Odisha. However, sources said this is “only the tip of the iceberg” as the number of such incidents is much more and only some of the marriages are being foiled by various authorities owing to increased awareness.
A Class-IX student (15) of Balasore’s Ashram School sought its headmaster’s help when her parents tried to marry her off on Sunday. In a similar incident, another 16-year-old girl of Jatani was rescued by Childline on July 8. Later, she was produced before the Khurda child welfare committee. In another such development, Childline members and police prevented a child marriage at Sudhasarangi, Balianta, on the outskirts here last week.
Deeply concerned by the unabated incidents of child marriage in the state, the women and child development (WCD) department recently held a meeting involving teachers of all schools under the SC and ST department and parents to create awareness on the issue.
The school authorities were asked to sensitise parents about various aspects of the issue. It was also informed that legal action would be taken against those who arrange and solemnise such weddings.
“If schools discuss the matter with parents and sensitise them on the adverse effect of child marriage, then we may check the number of such cases,” said Bithika Swain, joint secretary of the WCD department.
“Key drivers for child marriage in Odisha are patriarchal social norms and customs, low value attached to girl child...,” the WCD in a notice said.