Chittoor Collector calls for steps to improve gender ratio and curb child marriages in Rayalaseema

District Collector Sumit Kumar on Sunday stressed the need to prevent child marriages and improve the gender ratio in the Rayalaseema region, saying women have a crucial role in the progress and development of society.

The Collector inaugurated the International Women’s Day celebrations organised jointly by ICDS, DRDA, MEPMA and the District Women’s Federation at Nagaiah Kalakshetram here. The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp in the presence of public representatives and officials.

The Collector said the female population in the Rayalaseema districts was lower compared with the coastal districts. Historically, districts such as Chittoor, Annamayya, Kadapa, Nellore and Tirupati have recorded fewer women than men. Female foeticide and the declining birth rate of girl children were among the major reasons for the imbalance, he said.

Expressing concern over child marriages, the Collector said nearly 12 to 15% of marriages in the district involved minors. About 25,000 deliveries take place every year, of which nearly 10% involve girls below 18 years, he added. Teenage pregnancies can lead to serious health complications and adversely affect the future of young girls, he said.

Mr. Sumit Kumar urged representatives of self-help groups, ICDS, DRDA and MEPMA to spread awareness in villages and urban areas to curb child marriages and promote women’s empowerment.

Chittoor MLA Gurajala Jagan Mohan, Chittoor Mayor C. Amuda, Chittoor Urban Development Authority Chairperson Katari Hemalatha, Additional SP Rajasekhar Raju and senior officials from various government departments were present.