‘How to take care of daughters?’ Poverty, insecurity push families toward child marriage

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Within 24 hours, two attempts to marry off 16-year-old girls were stopped by timely police and citizen intervention, exposing how poverty and safety fears are driving vulnerable families toward illegal child marriages.

In the first case, a Class 10 pass girl from the Beed Bypass area was to be married on April 28 near her house. Her parents, daily wage workers, said financial hardship and fear for their daughters’ safety as they were often left alone at home forced their decision. Relatives had gathered and lunch was being served when Satara police, led by PSI Nirmala Rakh, intervened. Though the family initially termed it an engagement, verification confirmed a child marriage. The ceremony was halted and the parents were issued a notice to appear before the Child Welfare Committee. In the second case in the Hudco area, a 16-year-old girl was being married to a 28-year-old man, allegedly citing the grandfather’s “last wish.” Nearly 500 guests had attended. Acting on a Child Helpline alert, Damini Squad and police officials verified documents, confirmed the minor’s age, and stopped the ceremony. Both incidents underline a troubling pattern: economic distress and insecurity continue to push families toward unlawful child marriages despite strict legal provisions.