DCPCR to analyse cases of child marriage

New Delhi: Does the evil of child marriage still prevail in Delhi? The answer to this pertinent question will be discussed by the Delhi Commission for Protection Child Rights (DCPCR), which will conduct a detailed study on the topic in different districts of the Capital to dig out the truth.

The child rights body said it suspects that cases of several child marriages are going unreported.

According to DCPCR officials, the study will take place in North West, South West, North East and New Delhi districts.

They have also held meetings with concerned stakeholders regarding this issue.

"In different awareness programmes, we used the data National Family Health Survey. Once the study is complete, we will have concrete facts," said a DCPCR official.

Samrah Mirza, member, DCPCR, told Millennium Post that during the study, they will also touch all Anganwadi in the four districts.

"The health factor of couples who were married when they were children will be checked and there will also be an assessment of the health of their children," said Mirza. She further claimed that they have conducted two awareness programme on this issue.

"We have got two to three complaints regarding child marriage. Through our intervention, we have stopped this crime. The reason behind the child marriages is illiteracy, financial crisis and we also suspect that many cases of such crimes are not reported. Proper awareness will be spread from our sides," said Mirza.

According to the official, in the course of the study, DCPCR will identify communities where child marriage is still prevalent as well as its ill effects on health of the family.

Parents will also be made aware of this crime and the importance of intervention during child marriage will also be part of the awareness programme.

"We will tell the communities to report such incidents so they can be curb quickly," said Mirza.