The employment of the government in India has always been viewed as a symbol of stability, power, and safety. But, lately, the upside has been that the people in the government have become targets for the society's problems, for instance, the controversial practice of "Pakadwah Vivah" or "forced marriages." This paper will discuss the factors behind this trend and its consequences for the government workers.
What is Pakadwah Vivah?
Pakadwah Vivah is the term used for a practice of forced marriages where women and sometimes even men are being married off against their will. The practice is mainly observed in some areas of India and is often rationalised through culture and religion. The people who suffer from Pakadwah Vivah are mostly from underprivileged groups; however, the practice can be universal, meaning even government servants may be dragged into it, especially if they are considered to have a good flow of income or social position.
Government Employees as Targets
It is not uncommon for government employees to be considered as potential spouses simply because of the presumed financial security and income that they might have, as these employees are the ones who get paid regularly and benefit from the government, which is very attractive to families who want to secure their daughters' future or pay off debts. The whole idea is based on the assumption that getting a daughter married to a government employee could give the family financial and social benefits.
Besides, along with social status, many individuals in community settings are subjected to strong social pressure as well as to the expectation of marrying in the traditional way, which leaves government employees under even more scrutiny and expectations coming from both families and communities. Such pressure can push them to the altar, whether they are up for it or not.
Some areas impose cultural norms that allow early marriages only for women, and single government workers are in the act of challenging those norms, and that is why they are picked for the forced marriages as the family tries to "correct" the perceived deviation from the customs by marrying them off.
In addition, there is a stigma attached to being unmarried that is more pronounced for women, which leads to society's rejection in cases of this single status being too long. For this reason, families might end up feeling compelled to organise marriages against the individuals' wills to avoid this stigma.
The Consequences of Being a Target
Being a target of Pakadwah Vivah can have a dramatic and negative impact on government employees. The consequences include:
- Loss of Autonomy: Girls may lose the right to choose their life partners, resulting in emotional disturbance and feelings of being trapped.
- Career Impact: The distress and emotional conflicts caused by forced marriages can reflect negatively on the employee’s performance and limit his/her career progression.
- Social Isolation: People who don’t agree to such marriages may be cut off from their families and communities, which can lead to a lack of social interaction and mental health issues.
Addressing the Issue
To stop the practice of Pakadwah Vivah and to protect government employees from being targeted, several solutions can be considered:
The modification of social attitudes can result from the education of communities with regard to individuals' right to choose their partners, as well as the negative effects that forced marriages cause.
Societal taboos may be eliminated by effectively implementing laws against forced marriages, plus allowing victims to have access to the courts.
It is also a good idea to set up support networks and counselling services for those who feel they have to marry and give them the means to go through the difficult times and to claim their rights.
Furthermore, collaboration with community leaders in addressing the cultural beliefs that are the foundation of such practices can be a long-term solution to the problem.
The government sector in India assures steady income and financial security; nonetheless, it also entails certain difficulties, among which are the societal pressure and the practice of Pakadwah Vivah. It is of utmost importance for society to acknowledge the right of individuals to choose their partners freely and to put in place measures to eliminate the stigma that accompanies the unmarried state.
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