Child marriage

Child marriage

It is common in Nepal and other South Asian countries to hear about the child marriage that still takes place among the poor communities in the rural areas. However, the level of such marriage varies from one place to another place. Nepal ranks tenth in the world and third after Bangladesh and India in South Asia as claimed by C K Singh of Child Marriage and Dowry Elimination National Campaign Nepal. Saptari has outnumbered the other districts in child marriage according to the recent research findings of this organization “Child marriage rampant in Saptari” THT, March 13, Page 5).  More than 83 % marriages were held between the couples of under 18 years of age.

The main reason behind this child marriage was found to be the increasing trend of dowry system which has been rampant in the Tarai districts. If the girl is educated, she has to find an educated groom for which her parents have to pay heavy dowries. Due this practice, most of the parents prefer to get their daughters married at an early age instead of educating them. This practice continues to rise in the plain districts resulting more girls tying their knots less than 18 years of age. This is a direct violation of their right to education, reproductive health and safer motherhood. What are the local human rights activists, who claim to be the watchdog of human rights violations, doing in these districts?

It was a bit surprising and disheartening to know that the local administration and other concerned authorities do not take any initiation to curtail this anti-social system. This is complete negligence of these organizations which are supposed to strictly put stringent laws in place. Considering child marriage is a punishable crime, local administration should immediately stop this by discouraging dowry system. The role of political leaders, who claim to be the representative of the people, seem also to be crucial and vital to educate the local population about the bad practice of dowry system and completely chase away child marriage practice from their respective districts.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj