Child marriages on upswing in Hyderabad: Activist

Hyderabad, Oct 15 (UNI) Despite efforts taken by the state and central governments, the Pearl City was becoming a major hub for child marriages with Gulf nationals, according to woman activist.

Speaking to UNI here, Shaheen Women Resource and Welfare Association Member Jamila Nishad said the number of minor girls getting married had shown an increase since 1990 with the last two years recording more such incidents.

The Gulf nationals preferred marriage with girls aged between 14 to 16 years.

During the marriage ritual, the bridegroom and parents come to an agreement on divorce after 15 days of the ceremony.

The bridegroom would take precautions to ensure the bride did not get pregnant during his stay in the city.

Ms Nishad said though marriages which took place in the 70s and 80s were successful with women settling with their husbands, the present arrangements were confined to a limited period.

The social menace was increasing among Muslim community due to increasing poverty and dowry demands, she added.

Due to increasing poverty among Muslim community, parents of minor girls opted to marry their children with bridegrooms from Oman, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries.

It was learnt the parents received money from the bridegrooms instantly.

At least ten such marriages were being performed a day in the city with the parents invevitably lured by promises of huge monetary benefits.

In reality, the parents and the brides were being cheated by brokers and bridegrooms who gave them a small amount and harassed the minor girls sexually and mentally, she added.

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