KOCHI, Dec 10: The decision to use Deoxyribo Nucleic Acid (DNA) tests to identify fathers of illegitimate adivasi children in Wyanad has finally yielded some positive results, with three men accepting responsibility for their children even before the tests were conducted.

Though it is just the beginning of an endeavour to tackle the problem of unwed motherhood among adivasi women in Wyanad, Vanitha Commission, the organisation which hit upon the idea of the tests is encouraged by the success. And with good reason too.

For years now, non-tribals have been exploiting adivasi women in this area and the "culprits" have never been brought to book. The high prevalence of unwed motherhood among adivasi women first came to light in 1984, when an unwed adivasi woman, who delivered four illegitimate children, was admitted to the Calicut Medical College. An investigation into the incident by the Democratic Mahila Association, revealed that there were hundreds of such unwed adivasi mothers in the area, who had been exploited by townsmen for decades. The association then set up a Sahaya Samithy and conducted a survey on the topic in Thrissilassery. They discovered that in this place alone there were 22 unwed mothers in just 33 houses.

The study created quite a furore but matters took a turn for the worse when three adivasi women were killed, allegedly to destroy evidence. This only provoked the association to intensify their agitation for identifying the "culprits". Finally, it was the Vanitha Commission which undertook the initiative to summon the "culprits", who, with characteristic insolence, disowned their roles. The Commission then threatened that they would carry out DNA tests to identify the wrong-doers. According to Vanitha Commission chairperson Sugatha Kumari, 10 DNA tests were to be conducted on Monday, under the supervision of Vanitha Commission DIG Alexander Jacob. Only five men came forward to undergo the tests. But three of them acknowledged that they were fathers of adivasi children on the spot and agreed to pay the maintenance for the children, without even subjecting themselves to any DNA test. Encouraged by the success of this measure, Sugatha Kumari said, "This is really a breakthrough. The fact that three men volunteered to pay compensation to the women who were violated by them is certainly a positive sign."

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.