The mass wedding scheme for women from economically weaker sections launched by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has caused controversy after some of the brides were made to take pregnancy tests. Five of the 219 girls did not get married on Saturday after their tests came positive. The Congress party has questioned who ordered the tests, as pregnancy tests are not supposed to be conducted on the women. The Chief Medical and Health Officer of Dindori, Dr Ramesh Marawi, said the decision on excluding the girls from the mass marriage scheme is taken by the Social Justice Department based on health department reports. The scheme, called Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah/Nikah Yojana, was launched in April 2006, and under it, the state government provides financial assistance of ₹ 56,000 for the marriage of women from economically weaker sections.
The statement made by former Chief Minister Kamal Nath highlights the gravity of the situation and calls for a fair and high-level inquiry into the matter. Nath also alleges that the state government has a malicious attitude towards the entire female race, and demands that the guilty be punished severely. Such incidents of misbehavior with women are unacceptable, and it is important for the authorities to take necessary steps to ensure the safety and dignity of women in the state.
