New Delhi, Aug 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) The NCW constituted a five-member fact-finding team to examine the reported evil practice of 'buying and selling of brides' in the Mewat region, particularly in Nuh district of Haryana, an official said on Thursday.
Highlighting concerns over alleged trafficking and exploitation of brides, National Commission for Women Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar said, “A woman cannot be bought, sold or treated as a commodity in the name of marriage. Marriage is a relationship of dignity and equality, not a transaction.”
She said the five-member team will be headed by former Director General, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and retired IPS officer P.M. Nair.
The fact-finding team has been asked to submit its report to the Commission within 10 working days of its constitution, along with recommendations to prevent the recurrence of such practices and strengthen safeguards for women affected by them.
An NCW statement said that locally referred to as ‘Paro’ or ‘Molki’, it is a practice in which women, often from economically vulnerable communities in other states, are brought through intermediaries and married to men in the region, allegedly involving monetary transactions with brokers or the woman’s family.
The Commission has taken cognisance of reports alleging that women are brought to the region and married off in exchange for money. The inquiry is aimed at establishing facts and identifying systemic gaps that may allow the exploitation of women to continue.
In some reported cases, women are allegedly resold and subjected to repeated abuse and exploitation, raising serious concerns over inter-state trafficking and violations of their rights, dignity and safety, said the statement.
Other members of the fact-finding team are B.K. Sinha, IPS (Retd.), former Director General of Police, Haryana; Seema Singh, Associate Professor, Delhi University; Tripti Bhoir, filmmaker and actor; and Manmohan Verma, Law Officer, NCW.
The fact-finding team will examine the prevalence, nature and functioning of the ‘Paro/Molki’ practice, including the role of intermediaries and possible trafficking networks operating across state borders, said the NCW statement.
It will also look into concerns relating to legal identity, inheritance and other entitlements of women, violence and exploitation, child marriage, social stigma and access to justice and State services, it said.
The panel will undertake an on-the-spot inquiry in Nuh/Mewat and other locations, as considered necessary, and interact with survivors, local residents, police and civil administration officials, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
Rahatkar said the concerns surrounding ‘Paro’ or ‘Molki’ marriages are serious and require a fact-based examination.
She said, “The NCW will ensure that the voices, rights and dignity of women affected by this practice are not overlooked. If trafficking, exploitation or systemic failures are found, the Commission will recommend firm and effective measures to prevent their recurrence.”
Source: IANS
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