Demand for Action Intensifies Against 'Nata Pratha' Custom

A controversial custom known as 'Nata Pratha,' where girls are sold under the guise of marriage, is under scrutiny. The Central Information Commission has called for greater transparency in reporting actions taken against this practice, deemed unethical and harmful by the National Human Rights Commission.

A recent directive from the Central Information Commission has intensified scrutiny on 'Nata Pratha,' a controversial tradition where girls are sold under the pretense of marriage. This directive mandates the disclosure of an action taken report by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

Information Commissioner P R Ramesh has urged the ministry to revisit an RTI request and share the action taken report with the NHRC, while ensuring the confidentiality of personal details of complainants. This comes after the NHRC labeled this practice a 'social evil' and called for its eradication.

The NHRC has highlighted the severe consequences of 'Nata Pratha,' including cases involving minors, and has advocated for a specific legal framework to address the issue. Enforcement of existing human trafficking laws and POCSO Act provisions has also been recommended to combat this practice.

(With inputs from agencies.)