Even in the 2020s, child marriage is a huge concern in India, and is especially prevalent in some states. Given this situation, the government and other organisations work to actively prevent child marriages and provide relief to the victims, especially the girl child. A public interest litigation (PIL) was filed in the Telangana High Court asking that the state government should introduce special rehabilitation packages for girl child victims on the lines of the Nirbhaya Fund for sexual assault and rape victims.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Abhinand Kumar Shavili asked the government for a response. In response, D Diviya, the Commissioner of Women Development and Child Welfare, Telangana, filed an affidavit stating that the state government is planning to increase the existing rehabilitation facilities for child marriage victims.
The affidavit explains that the number of Swadhar Gruhas or exclusive homes for child marriage victims in Hyderabad will be increased. These homes shelter girls forced into child marriages until the time they turn 21 years old, and also provide vocational training so that they can become self-sufficient. The victims are given money for expenses, nutritious food and recreational facilities in these homes. Once they turn 21, the women are handed over to the parents in compliance with the stipulations of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act of 2015.
The PIL also demanded that five per cent reservation should be enforced at all educational institutions for child marriage victims. In response, Diviya’s affidavit informed the HC that this is a policy decision that may require time and consultations before approvals and implementations. However, the affidavit noted that the Child Welfare Department is already extending support to all children in need of protection at least up to the school level. The department is also running a polytechnic institute for women in Hyderabad, and has facilitated the admission of children in both residential and non-residential schools.
Further, the Women Finance Corporation provides vocational training and financial support to women and girls in need of protection. Free legal aid and counselling are also provided to women and girls, and proper age certificates are also issued to all child brides so that they can access special government schemes.