National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Notices on ‘Nata Pratha’

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Context

• The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued notices to the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development and the state governments of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat.
• These notices pertain to the practice known as ‘Nata Pratha,’ which involves the selling or marrying off of underage girls, a practice still prevalent in certain communities within these states.

Practice of ‘Nata Pratha’

• ‘Nata Pratha’ is a traditional practice wherein underage girls are either sold or married off.
• These transactions are formalized using "stamp paper," giving a semblance of legality to an otherwise illegal and unethical practice.
• The practice is typically carried out by the girls' own families, often under economic or social pressures.

Consequences of ‘Nata Pratha’

• The practice has severe negative impacts on the lives of women and minor girls, including:
  • Violation of their fundamental human rights.
  • Exposure to physical, emotional, and psychological harm.
  • Denial of basic opportunities such as education and personal development.
• These sales and marriages not only contravene legal statutes but also perpetuate cycles of poverty and gender inequality.

NHRC's Stance

• Eradication and Abolition:
• In its message, the NHRC has strongly condemned the practice and called for its immediate eradication and abolition.
• The commission highlights the urgent need for stringent measures to eliminate such practices and safeguard the rights of affected individuals.

Message from NHRC

• The NHRC's notice underscores the importance of protecting the rights and welfare of women and minor girls.
• It emphasizes the responsibility of the Union Ministry and the state governments to take decisive actions against ‘Nata Pratha’ and to implement effective policies and interventions that prevent such violations.
• The NHRC urges a coordinated effort to not only abolish this practice but also to address the underlying socio-economic factors that perpetuate it.

By highlighting the issue and issuing these notices, the NHRC aims to catalyze a comprehensive response to eradicate ‘Nata Pratha,’ thereby upholding the dignity and human rights of the affected women and girls.

ALL ABOUT NHRC: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/national-human-rights-commission-nhrc-15#:~:text=Functions%20of%20NHRC&text=NHRC%20reviews%20factors%20like%20terrorism,study%20the%20conditions%20of%20inmates.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Discuss the socio-economic factors contributing to the persistence of ‘Nata Pratha’ and suggest measures to eradicate it.

SOURCE: THE HINDU