Kasturi report adds to marriage woes

Idukki: The Idukki diocese claimed that wedding bells were rarely heard in 94 churches these days as apprehensions over the Kasturirangan report have hit the marriage market. The Idukki diocese claimed that nearly 4,000 men (over 30 years) were unmarried as an indirect consequence of the report.
“Most parents want a bridegroom outside the district and those residing outside Idukki aren’t interested in marrying off their daughters here, thanks to a set of concerns,” said Fr Sebastian Kochupurackal, general convener of High Range Protection Committee.People here are afraid that land sale would be a problem as many regions would become ESAs if the Kasturi report is implemented, said committee members.
Church authorities said that in 2012 there was a move to implement the Gadgil committee report in 47 villages, which invited the wrath of residents. It led to a series of protests – spearheaded by the Church and political parties and – later, it was decided that the Gadgil report would be discarded and the Kasturirangan report would be implemented. However, apprehensions over issues such as livelihood and land prices were not duly addressed by the government.
There were rumours that once the Kasturi report was implemented, most land under cultivation would be reclaimed as forest land and people might be evacuated. “Now, it is difficult to find partners for men engaged in agriculture. Parents of brides are keen on professionals from other districts. Many women are choosing the nursing field to marry professional and qualified men and the Kasturi report has added to our problem,” said Jomon C J (38), a bachelor from Vazhathope.
Raju, a marriage broker from Anakkara near Kumily, echoed similar views. “People from Kottayam and Ernakulum districts feel that Idukki will become a forest area in the coming years and it will be impossible to sustain farming. Girls here prefer alliance from districts like Kottayam.
It seems they just want to leave the area,” he said. Another marriage broker Byju Joseph said parents from Kottayam and Ernakulum refused proposals when they are told that the groom is from Idukki.