Mithi Tharparkar, Sindh — On May 17th, 2024, the Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) in collaboration the Local
Government Department, held a significant awareness session for local government officals in Mithi, Tharparkar. This session aimed to further the implementation of the Sindh Hindus Marriage (Amendment) Act, 2018, and empower local government officials and community leaders. Mr. Sukhdev Hemnani, Board Member SHRC provided a comprehensive briefing on the powers and functions of the Sindh Human Rights Commission and detailed the provisions of the Sindh Hindu Marriage Act, 2018.
He emphasized the necessity of conducting awareness sessions at the U.C level to ensure that the legislation reaches and benefits all segments of the community. Prominent participants included Kamla Bai (Vice Chairman, Tharparkar), Musharaf Ali Shah (District Officer, District Council Tharparkar ), Waqas Durrani (Deputy Superintendent of Police, City Mithi), and Asif Ali Khaskhaly (Additional Deputy Commissioner-I, Tharparkar), Local Government officials and members of local Hindu community.
The session was designed to address critical gaps in awareness and infrastructure that hinder the effective application of the legislation.
Public input during the session highlighted significant issues: the general public's lack of awareness about the marriage registration process and the inadequate infrastructure of Union Councils, which often lack computers and proper office space. There are currently 64 Union Councils in Tharparkar, each facing challenges in facilitating effective registration processes.
Kamla Bai assured the participants of her commitment to addressing these issues.
Mr. Asif Ali Khaskhaly proposed translating the Sindh Hindu Marriage Act into Urdu and Sindhi to make it more accessible to the local population. He also suggested that similar awareness sessions be held at the Union Council level with direct involvement from community members.
The session underscored the collaborative efforts needed to enhance the implementation of the Sindh Hindus Marriage Act and protect the civil rights of the Hindu community in Sindh.
The SHRC remains dedicated to fostering awareness and supporting local government officials in this endeavor.
Imran 
