Indian Newslink: India moves to end fraudulent marriages

India moves to end fraudulent marriages
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Venkat Raman on 28/02/2010 09:29:00
 
The Indian Government is taking a number of steps to address the problem of fake
marriages and put in place stringent checks and controls to prevent Indian women
from falling a prey to unscrupulous Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), People of
Indian Origin (PIO) and others living overseas.
The issue was discussed at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2010 held in New Delhi
from January 7 to 9. It is understood that a number of participants urged the
Government to take up the issue on priority.
Among the measures proposed are compulsory registration of all marriages,
bilateral agreements for protection of such marriages between India and
countries where the Indian Diaspora is in large numbers and government-monitored
conciliation process of settlement of matrimonial disputes.
Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi had told Indian Newslink earlier
that the situation had gone beyond tolerance level and that tough measures were
required to contain the menace.
He said there were increasing complaints of harassment of young Indian brides in
most Western countries including Australia and New Zealand.
“We cannot be silent spectators to our young women being abused physically and
verbally after they go overseas upon marriage to NRIs and PIO.
“It is time to take action against those who subject these women to such
cruelty,” he said.
The Indian government provides financial assistance up to $1500 to victims of
abandoned marriages through Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and diplomatic
missions.
But the decision for such awards would be at the discretion of the Overseas
Indian Affairs Ministry in New Delhi.
This newspaper understands that there have been a few beneficiaries in New
Zealand during the past two years.
Official sources conceded that the number of complaints from abandoned young
brides has been on the increase and said that community education and awareness
programmes were essential.
It is a pity that none of the Indian associations has taken notice of the
problem and tried to help victims.
However, Auckland based Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust and its Chairman Jeet
Suchdev have assisted a number of young brides victimised by fake and failed
marriages over the past five years.
Indian Newslink is working with the Trust and the Auckland City District Police
to provide support to victims.
Currently there are at least seven cases involving newly married women from
India, left in the lurch by greedy husbands and parents-in-law.
They are made to work all hours, do house chores including cooking and washing.
In some cases, they are made to work outside to earn for the family.
This newspaper has assisted a number of distressed women seek justice in the
past five years, some of them qualifying for work permits and permanent
residence.
If you are a victim or aware of any victims, please contact us on (09) 5336377.
Email: editor@indiannewslink.co.nz
Read our editorial Marriages made in Hell