Nata Pratha: Sale of underage girls

Reference

Recently, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development and the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat over the tradition called 'Nata Pratha'.

About the custom of Naata

• What is: It involves selling of women or girl children on stamp paper or marriage of underage girls or women of certain communities by individuals.
  • These 'sales and marriages' are often organised by the girls' own families.
• Traditional form: Traditionally both the man and woman entering into this relationship were either married or widowed.
  • However, over time the practice has evolved to include unmarried people as well.
• Buying and selling: In this practice, money has to be given by the man to the woman (girl) or to the head of the woman's family.
  • Sometimes, when the entire amount is not able to be paid, the girl is brought back and sent with another man who is capable of paying the money.
• No marriage ceremony required: No formal marriage ceremony is required to live together under this system.
  • The couple can perform all the responsibilities of husband and wife without marriage.
• Practice: This practice is prevalent in Rajasthan, Gujarat and some parts of Madhya Pradesh.
  • It mainly belongs to the Bhil tribe.

Stance of National Human Rights Commission

• Similar to prostitution: According to the Commission's research wing, the Naata system is similar to modern forms of prostitution.
• Prosecution of persons involved in Nata Pratha: Among various measures, it suggested that apart from enactment of laws, those forcing women into Nata Pratha should be prosecuted under laws relating to human trafficking.
  • The sale of minor girls should be prosecuted under the POCSO Act.

Efforts for women empowerment: NHRC has suggested creating awareness and providing education and employment to improve the economic and social condition of girls and women, besides forming a group at the village level to register cases of ‘Nata Pratha’