Mandatory to registration of marriages apace

Vikarabad: To curb child marriages and to put a tab on exploitation of women on the name of marriage, the district official mechanism has geared itself up to make compulsory of registration of marriages. Newly-wed couples will receive marriage certificate from the officials concerned. For this herculean task, the government is planning to utilise the services of Anganwadis under Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). Mainly, the women in the rural area are in the dark after marriage as her husband or his family members hide the marriage photos. Taking it as advantage, they in-laws are succeeding in breaking their sons’ bonds with women. Given this situation, the government has taken up steps to register marriage mandatorily. 

Whether it is an arranged marriage or love marriage, registration is compulsory for the couple. Most of the marriages held in the district are not registered so far. There are very less cases of getting certificates. The government took an initiative to strengthen the marriage bond. The officials are of the opinion that it will curb child marriages. Apart from this, in order to protect the poor parents from cheating during marriages, the marriage act is also going to be strengthened. The registration of marriages not held in the district so far. Woman and child welfare department officials categorically said that it is mandatory to register the marriage. So that women will get strong proof for their marriages.

The district consist of four municipalities of Kodangal, Parigi, Tandur and Vikarabad. It also consists of 18 mandals and 565 panchayats. The total population is about nine lakhs. Though there are thousands of marriages held in the district annually, there is no evidence of their official registration so far. Taking this as advantage, some people are encouraging child marriages in remote villages. To avoid such situation, it is better to register the marriage at the time of wedding and by doing so spouse or in-laws will be forced to abide by the laws, the officials said. 

As part of the exercise, 115 bundles of marriage certificates reached the district. They are of four types such as marriage certificates, memorandum, marriage registrations, marriage register and flexis.  The department of women and child development is making all arrangements to create awareness among rural folk on registration of marriages. The officials are also utilising all types of media in educating people in villages.