Most cases of child marriages are reported from Ballari, Mysuru, Bagalkot, Dharwad, Belagavi, and from the rural parts of the state, as per the data by the KSCPCR. (Representational)Amid the COVID-19 induced lockdown, Karnataka saw a sharp rise in child marriages. According to the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR), in the last four months (April-July), the state has reported 107 child marriage cases, while it recorded a total of 156 cases last year. Meanwhile, officials say that the numbers have doubled due to the awareness about the ‘181’ helpline number for women. But because of the various awareness programmes conducted by the government particular;y about ‘181’ helpline number,” said, K A Dayanand, Director, Women and Child Development Department in Karnataka.

Source: Indian Express August 28, 2020 05:48 UTC