Sept. 6, 2024
NHRC seeks report on ‘sale of girls’ as part of NataPratha
Source: TH
Context: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development and the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat concerning the practice of Nata Pratha.
Background:
Nata Pratha: A traditional practice in certain communities of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat where girls are sold either on stamp paper or through informal agreements for marriage or other purposes.
NHRC’s Notice: The NHRC has demanded reports from the concerned states on measures taken or proposed to eradicate this practice within eight weeks.
Case Highlight:
Incident in Rajasthan: A complaint dated July 15, 2020, by the father of a minor girl from Salamgarh, Rajasthan, led to an NHRC investigation. The girl was found dead after being sold multiple times as part of Nata Pratha.
Details of the Case: The father sold his daughter for ₹2.5 lakh as part of a marriage deal. When the groom failed to pay the remaining amount, the father attempted to sell her again. The girl resisted and complained to the authorities, but no action was taken, leading to her death.
Issues
Human Rights Violations:
• Nata Pratha results in severe exploitation and abuse of girls and women, treating them as commodities.
• The case highlights the failure of law enforcement to protect victims and take necessary actions against the perpetrators.
Legal and Social Implications:
• This practice often involves child marriage and human trafficking, violating numerous national and international laws.
• Women and girls subjected to Nata Pratha face social stigma and lifelong oppression.
Solutions
Legal Measures
• Individuals involved in Nata Pratha should be prosecuted under human trafficking laws and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
• Enhancing law enforcement capabilities to effectively tackle and prevent such practices.
Social and Educational Initiatives
• Awareness Campaigns: Launching extensive awareness campaigns to educate communities about the illegality and immorality of Nata Pratha.
• Empowerment Programs: Implementing programs to empower women and girls through education, economic opportunities, and social support.
Government Action
• Comprehensive Reports: States should provide detailed reports on actions taken and future plans to eradicate Nata Pratha.
• Policy Reforms: Developing and implementing policy reforms based on the findings to prevent such practices in the future.