ADMINISTRATION SHOULD BE VIGILANT TO PREVENT CHILD MARRIAGE: Dr. SUNITA SINGH

ADMINISTRATION SHOULD BE VIGILANT TO PREVENT CHILD MARRIAGE: Dr. SUNITA SINGH

3-NOV-ENG 7

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------Devuthani Ekadashi marks the beginning of the auspicious marriage season. In light of this, Dr. Sunita Singh, Director of Disha Ek Prayas, a non-governmental organization campaigning against child marriage in the district, has requested the district administration and the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) to maintain strict vigilance and monitoring to prevent child marriages. In a letter to the district administration, the Secretary urged strict vigilance to ensure that no such incident remains unnoticed and prompt action can be taken. Furthermore, it is essential to convey the message to the public that anyone with information about a potential child marriage should immediately inform the Police Helpline (112), Child Helpline (1098), or the local police station to prevent this social crime.

In view of the wedding season starting from November 1st, the organization has requested the district administration as well as schools to be alerted that if any child is absent during these days, they should find out the reason for it. It has appealed to the village headmen, Anganwadi workers and the police to be extra vigilant. Along with this, the organization has decided to intensify the awareness campaign against child marriage in villages and schools from today itself and has also appealed to religious leaders to be extra vigilant on this occasion. He said, “In its landmark 2024 judgment, the Supreme Court directed districts to be vigilant and implement guidelines to prevent child marriages. The Union Ministry of Women and Child Welfare also launched the 'Child Marriage Free India' campaign on November 27, 2024, with the goal of eliminating child marriage by 2030.

Disha Ek Prayas, Bhojpur, is a partner organization of Just Rights for Children, the country's largest network of civil society organizations dedicated to the protection and preservation of child rights. The organization has been continuously working on the ground for several years to make the district child marriage-free, following the example of the 'Child Marriage Free India' campaign launched by the Government of India last year.

The organization has asked the district administration to instruct all sarpanches to monitor all upcoming marriages in their villages and have anganwadi workers prepare a list of these marriages in their areas. The organization has requested all religious leaders and service providers who provide tents, decorations, or bands for wedding ceremonies to Ensure they do not participate in any child marriage by providing their services. According to the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA) 2006, whoever participates in, provides services for, solemnizes, or directs a child marriage in any way is punishable with two years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of ₹1 lakh, or both. This also includes those who encourage, sanction, or knowingly fail to report it, including organizers, guests, and service providers.