Karnataka child rights panel warns against Aadhaar-only age proof for marriage
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) has urged the government to stop relying solely on Aadhaar for age verification during marriage registrations. This comes amid concerns that Aadhaar-based age proof may facilitate child marriages, as the date of birth on Aadhaar can be based on self-declaration.
Background
Child marriage remains a concern in India despite the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. The Karnataka government has its own rules under the Child Marriage Prohibition (Karnataka) Rules, 2014, which prescribe specific documents for age proof. Aadhaar, primarily an identity document, is often used as a convenient proof of age, but its reliability for age verification has been questioned.
Key facts
KSCPCR has written to the Inspector General of Registration and Commissioner of Stamps urging strict implementation of the Child Marriage Prohibition (Karnataka) Rules, 2014.
The panel recommends accepting birth certificates, school records, SSLC marks cards, or medical certificates for age verification instead of relying solely on Aadhaar.
Former KSCPCR member KT Thippeswamy stated that Aadhaar is primarily an identity document and not conclusive proof of age, as the date of birth may be based on self-declaration.
The commission has asked the registration department to issue clear instructions to all marriage registration officers against relying solely on Aadhaar.
It also suggested conducting awareness programmes for officials and taking action against those who violate the prescribed procedure.
The panel emphasized that preventing child marriages is a societal responsibility and effective implementation of the law is essential.
Prelims pointers
- Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR)
- Child Marriage Prohibition (Karnataka) Rules, 2014
- Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006
- Aadhaar as identity vs. proof of age
- Role of Registrar of Marriages
Mains angles
- GS1: Social issues - child marriage, its causes and consequences
- GS2: Governance - role of state commissions, implementation of laws, administrative challenges
- GS2: Polity - federalism, state-specific rules under central legislation
- GS2: Social Justice - protection of child rights, role of statutory bodies