Lakshmi Hebbalkar expresses regret over Karnataka ranking 2nd in child marriages

Lakshmi Hebbalkar expresses regret over Karnataka ranking 2nd in child marriages

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, July 13, 2024: It is unfortunate that Karnataka ranks second in the country for child marriage cases, said Minister of Women and Child Development, Lakshmi Hebbalkar, while speaking to reporters in Mangalore on Saturday.

She mentioned that child marriage is a matter of shame for all of us. Our department has taken several measures to combat this issue. However, it cannot be solely attributed to the shortcomings of our department. Cooperation is required at the local level from the gram panchayat, the SDMC of primary schools, the legal and health departments, and the police. It is possible to prevent child marriages only when everyone works together, she said.

She expressed her embarrassment by stating that Ballari district holds the first position, and Belagavi district is second in the state for child marriage cases. These incidents are driven by superstitions, and the exact reason behind them is unclear.

There are committees from the village to the district level that include lawyers and heads of various organizations. Strict measures are being taken. As soon as we become aware of a case, we file an FIR. Despite this, child marriages are still occurring, and girls are becoming pregnant at a young age. In the coming days, we will make more robust efforts from the grassroots level to eradicate this practice. Officials have already been directed regarding this matter.

The process of converting Anganwadis into Montessori schools has begun in the state. There are approximately 70,000 Anganwadis in Karnataka. In the first phase, 20,000 Anganwadis will be converted into government Montessori schools. The teachers providing education in these Montessori schools must have proper qualifications.

In the department, 15,000 Anganwadi workers have completed their graduation, and 2,000 have completed postgraduate degrees. These individuals will be identified, trained, and designated as government Montessori teachers. With the cooperation of the central and state governments, smart classrooms will be established, supported by the Union Minister for Women and Child Development. Department officials have also approved this initiative. There will be opportunities to learn in both Kannada and English, Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar explained in Mangalore on Saturday.