Mandya: Describing child marriage as a deep-rooted social evil, deputy commissioner Kumara Wednesday said the number of such cases had decreased in the district. He said education remains the most effective and lasting solution to end the practice, and added that a child-marriage-free Mandya is the district administration’s goal. He said it is not merely the govt’s responsibility but a collective duty of society.Addressing a public awareness rally and oath-taking ceremony at Maddur under the ‘Child-Marriage-Free Mandya’ campaign, he said: “Compared to the last three years, the number of cases reduced to 14 this year, reinforcing our resolve to eliminate child marriage completely.”The district recorded 78 cases between April 2023 and March 2024, which dropped to 57 in the April 2024–March 2025 period. Since then, the number has seen a sharp fall to 14 till date, he saidKumara said true district development is possible only when women are accorded dignity, respect, and equal status in society. He urged citizens to act with humanity and compassion while ensuring strict adherence to the law. He also called for efforts to eradicate illiteracy and deep-seated superstitions that perpetuate harmful practices like child marriage.The awareness rally saw participation from the district administration, the women and child development and education departments, NGOs, students, teachers, and members of the public. The march highlighted the damaging impact of child marriage on children’s education, health, and future.Senior civil judge and district legal services authority member-secretary Anand M, SP VJ Shobharani, Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights member Venkatesh, senior judges Harini and Nalini, and the Maddur tahsildar were present.
