‘Govt move will ensure social security for women’
The UP government’s nod to the proposal making registration of all marriages in the state mandatory has been largely welcomed by Muslim organisations. The All-India Muslim Women Personal Law Board (AIMWPLB) hailed the move, saying it will ensure social security for women.
Some social activists said the issue was not about religion. “It’s a good move on government’s part as marriage registration certificate will act as a valid proof for couples, children and family members, whenever required,” said Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali, Imam-e-Eidgah and a member of All-India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB). He, however, said: “We are not against the move, but at the same time, there should be no provision which says no registration means no marriage.”
Farangi Mahali also raised concern on the implementation part saying, “Implementation is going to be hard. The government should ensure that the rule is implemented uniformly, especially in rural parts. There are many villages where people are unaware of terms like birth or death certificate,” he added.
Shaista Amber, president of All-India Muslim Women Personal Law Board (AIMWPLB) too hailed the move, saying it would ensure social security to individuals. “I came across several fraud cases where husbands married other women, leaving their wives. The government’s move indeed is going to put a check on such cases of fraud,” said Amber while talking to HT.
Amber said the certificate would also ensure social security, not only for women, but also for husbands and children. She appealed to the masses to support the government’s move that would help them in fighting legal battles or claiming their rights.
The UP cabinet on Tuesday gave its approval to a proposal making registration of all marriages in the state mandatory.
Minister for medical and health and state government spokesman Siddharth Nath Singh had said the cabinet did not agree with the demand of a section (Muslim clerics) for exemption from providing pictures of bride and groom for the purpose of marriage registration.
“There was a demand for exemption of pictures for marriage registration as the nikahnama did not carry them. If pictures are provided for Aadhaar card etc. then the same can also be made available for registration of marriages also,” he said. “We have taken all sections of society into confidence,” he added.
Marriage registration certificate will act as proof for couples, children and family members, whenever required MAULANA KHALID RASHEED FARANGI MAHALI, Imam-e-Eidgah