ACTION TO PREVENT CHILD MARRIAGE

ACTION TO PREVENT CHILD MARRIAGE

17-APRIL-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BHABHUA---------------------------A crucial meeting regarding the prevention of child marriages was held on Thursday at the office chamber of the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) in Bhabhua. The meeting was presided over by SDO Amit Kumar and was attended by officials from various departments, *Jeevika Didis* (women self-help group members), and *Vikas Mitras* (development facilitators). During the meeting, the SDO clarified that, under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, child marriage constitutes a serious and punishable offense. He explained that, under this Act, the SDO has been designated as the Chief Magistrate, while the Block Development Officer (BDO) has been assigned the responsibility of Assistant Child Marriage Prohibition Officer. In view of the potential for child marriages on the upcoming occasion of Akshaya Tritiya on April 19, the administration has issued directives to maintain strict vigilance. In this regard, the BDO, Block Education Officer (BEO), and Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) have been instructed to exercise special caution and ensure prompt action upon receiving any information regarding such incidents.

Emphasizing the need to make the public awareness campaign effective, the SDO directed the *Jeevika Didis* and *Vikas Mitras* to disseminate awareness within their respective areas. Furthermore, special emphasis was placed on the widespread publicity of the Child Helpline number 1098 and the Women's Helpline number 181, to enable the general public to immediately report any suspicious cases. During the meeting, printing press operators were instructed to mandatorily print messages prohibiting child marriage on all wedding invitation cards. Similarly, operators of marriage halls, banquet halls, and tent houses were explicitly directed not to provide any services whatsoever for the marriage of minors. Temple priests and management committees were also instructed to exercise special vigilance on April 19. Issuing a stern warning, the SDO stated that strict legal action would be initiated under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, against any individual found to be involved in child marriage.