In a concerning incident underscoring the challenges of early pregnancy and child rights in tribal areas, a 14-year-old girl from Jharkhand’s Khunti district gave birth to a baby girl while in a live-in relationship with a 16-year-old boy.

The couple, living together with their families’ consent under a tribal tradition known as ‘Dhuku’, has prompted local authorities to intensify awareness campaigns against child marriage and underage pregnancies.

Traditional Practices in Focus

The young girl, hailing from Keora panchayat, had been living with the boy under the customary tribal practice which allows consensual live-in relationships between minors. According to District Child Protection Officer Altaf Khan, the practice, although culturally accepted in tribal communities, is now drawing scrutiny for its impact on child welfare, education, and health.

Khan informed that the girl, a ninth-grade student who had relocated to a rented house 14 km from Murhu for schooling, met the boy at a local market. Their relationship developed over time, resulting in her pregnancy. She later dropped out of school.

“The family reported that the girl has been living in a rented house 14 kilometers from Murhu to pursue her studies and was a ninth-grade student at a local school. During this time, she met the boy from a neighboring village in the Murhu market. The two developed a relationship, and the girl became pregnant some time later,” he said.

Statement of Police

“We have been carrying out awareness campaigns in association with NGOs and civil society organisations against child marriage and child labour. However, we will intensify it in each of the 86 gram panchayats we have in Khunti,” Khan told PTI.

This is the only way to prevent such happenings at the village level, he said.

“We hope that comprehensive awareness by educating communities and minors, especially the health and mental issues and educational and societal consequences faced due to early pregnancy, will dissuade the new generation from such practices,” added Khan.

Premature Delivery Raises Health Concerns

The girl was initially admitted to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Murhu, accompanied by her mother and the boy. Due to complications, she was referred to Sadar Hospital in Khunti, where she gave birth to a premature baby girl at seven months. Fortunately, both the mother and newborn are stable and under medical observation.

Authorities to Intensify Campaigns

“This case highlights the urgent need to step up efforts at the grassroots level,” said Khan. He added that awareness drives in collaboration with NGOs and civil society groups would be expanded across all 86 gram panchayats in the district.

“Our focus will be on educating communities and minors about the physical, mental, social, and educational consequences of early pregnancy. Only through informed awareness can we hope to discourage such practices,” he emphasized.

Khan reaffirmed that while existing awareness campaigns have been ongoing, such incidents indicate the need for a more aggressive, community-centric approach to child protection and education.

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