Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Dec 27: The number of cases involving minor girls becoming pregnant is on the rise in Karnataka. Over the past three years, a total of 2,320 cases of underage pregnancies have been reported before Child Welfare Committees across the state. In addition, 749 such cases have been reported in the last 10 months alone.
Among the 2,320 cases reported in three years, Shivamogga district has recorded the highest number. A total of 163 cases of pregnancies among minor girls have been registered in Shivamogga district during this period. Tumakuru district follows with 113 cases.
In 2022–23, a total of 405 cases were reported. In 2023–24, the number rose to 709 cases. In 2024–25, 685 cases were recorded. In 2025–26 so far, 521 cases have been reported.
Bengaluru South reported 108 cases, Bengaluru Rural 47, Belagavi 64, Chamarajanagar 109, Chikkamagaluru 135, Dakshina Kannada 74, Haveri 126, Kolar 115, Koppal 127, Mysuru 114, Shivamogga 163 and Tumakuru 113 cases.
As per government orders, responsibilities have been assigned to various departments to effectively prevent pregnancies among minor girls. District Child Protection Committees have been formed under the chairmanship of district deputy commissioners, and these cases are being reviewed every quarter.
Awareness has been created through serial programmes aired on All India Radio. Under the guidance of deputy commissioners across the state, awareness programmes have been organised for all government and private schools, various departments and the general public. Lacs of participants, including schoolchildren, have benefited from these initiatives.
For the protection and rehabilitation of children requiring care and support, child welfare committees, special juvenile police units, child care institutions and district child protection units are functioning in every district.
Support persons have been selected and trained in every district to provide legal guidance and counselling to victimised children. At present, 173 support persons are working across the state. A standard operating procedure has been formulated by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights and has already been communicated to the concerned departments for implementation.
Victims are allowed to stay in child care institutions until they attain the age of 18, and necessary support is provided up to the age of 23.
Financial assistance is also being extended, including a one-time grant of Rs 6,000 for healthcare services and medical examinations. If the victim wishes to continue education, financial assistance of Rs 4,000 per month is being provided under the sponsorship scheme until the age of 18.