Hyderabad: NGO seeks change in “minimum marriage age of girls”

Hyderabad: An NGO is seeking amendment of “minimum marriage age of girls” so that girls can complete their graduations.

According to the report published in TOI, on Thursday, a meeting of Balala Hakkula, NGO, legislators, legal experts, social activists, psychiatrists and gynecologists will be held to demand change in minimum marriage age of girls from 18 to 21.

Supporting the stand, Dr. Radhika Acharya, a psychiatrist told that although at the age of 18, a girl is intellectually mature her emotional maturity is not up to the level. She further said that marriages that are performed after 21 years of age are more successful.

President of Balala Hakkula Sangham, Achyuta Rao highlighted the importance of girls’ education. He said that financial independence of girl is important.

As per health experts, if girls are married early, they may face health complications during and after pregnancy.

According to Dr. Kommineni Nageshwari Roa, gynecologist, early pregnancy affects both mother and child. She further said that 21-25 is the right age of the pregnancy.

Early pregnancy may lead to health issues and newborn is likely to be underweight and malnourished.