WORKSHOP ON CHILD MARRIAGE FREE INDIA

WORKSHOP ON CHILD MARRIAGE FREE INDIA

25-MARCH-ENG 11

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA----------------------------In accordance with the directives of the District Magistrate, Bhojpur, a workshop-cum-pledge ceremony on "Child Marriage-Free India"—along with the launch of the innovative program "Mission Bal Poshan Suraksha" under the ICDS—was inaugurated at the District Collectorate Auditorium, under the chairmanship of the Deputy Development Commissioner, Bhojpur. The program was jointly inaugurated by the Deputy Development Commissioner (Bhojpur), the District Program Officer (ICDS), the District Project Manager, and the Child Development Project Officer through the ceremonial lighting of a lamp.

The Deputy Development Commissioner provided detailed information regarding the innovative program, "Mission Bal Poshan Suraksha," the objective of which is to bring children suffering from SAM (Severe Acute Malnutrition) and MAM (Moderate Acute Malnutrition) into the category of normal children through specialized monitoring and care. She emphasized that SAM/MAM children should be identified and subsequently brought into the normal category by carefully taking into account their height, weight, and other relevant anthropometric parameters. For this initiative, guidance and necessary instructions were provided to all Child Development Project Officers and Lady Supervisors. Additionally, on the initiative of the District Administration, the 'Beti Janmotsav – Kanya Ratna' (Girl Child Birth Celebration – Gem of a Daughter) program, under the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' (Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter) scheme, was discussed. It was explained that the primary objective of this campaign is to encourage the birth of girl children and to link them—immediately upon birth—with social, economic, and health security safeguards. Furthermore, it was highlighted that, through 25 public welfare schemes operated by various departments, girl infants and their families in the district now receive benefits right from the moment of the child's birth. Emphasizing the issue of child marriage, the speaker stated that child marriage is a social evil and a violation of the law, as it creates obstacles in the education, safety, health, and overall development of girl children. The speaker advised all parents and students present not to engage in or facilitate child marriages; subsequently, an oath against child marriage was administered to all attending officials, parents of girl children, teachers, and the students themselves.

Mrs. Sunita Kumari, Secretary of 'Disha: Ek Prayas' (Direction: An Endeavor), utilized a PowerPoint presentation to provide a detailed explanation to all parents and students regarding the causes, adverse consequences, and prevention strategies associated with child marriage. She asserted that conducting or participating in a child marriage constitutes a violation of a girl child's rights and prevents her dreams from being realized.

The District Manager of the Piramal Foundation also underscored the importance of the 'Child Marriage-Free India' campaign. He urged everyone to report instances of child marriage to the District Administration, reiterating that child marriage is a social evil and warning that even those acting as intermediaries or matchmakers in such marriages could face imprisonment.

Mrs. Reena Srivastava, District Program Officer (ICDS), and Mr. Kumar Rohit, District Project Manager (Women and Child Development Corporation), explained that child marriage is a regressive social custom and a legal offense that deprives children—particularly girls—of their childhood, education, and health.

During the program, sanitary pads and T-shirts bearing the 'Child Marriage-Free India' campaign logo were distributed to all the students in attendance. Dignitaries present at the event included Mrs. Reena Srivastava (District Program Officer, ICDS), Mr. Kumar Rohit (District Project Manager, Women and Child Development Corporation), all Child Development Project Officers, Lady Supervisors (LS), and Mr. Mohd. Tayyab Ahmed (District Mission Manager). Coordinator Kalyani Kumari, Gender Specialist Mrs. Anupama Srivastava, Centre Administrator Anju Kumari, Case Worker Md. Naushad Alam, Accounts Assistant Amod Kumar, Data Entry Operator Jackie Raj (MTS), and other staff members were present.