Administration holds drive against child marriage, domestic violence in Panipat

The Women and Child Department has launched a special 16-day awareness campaign under the ‘16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence’ to make aware people about the evils of the child marriage, gender violence and domestic violence, prevention of sexual harassment at work places and Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Rajni Gupta, Protection and Child Marriage Prohibition Officer, said the campaign began on November 25 and would be continued till December 10.

As per the data available, a total of 35 complaints regarding child marriage were received in Panipat in the financial year 2020-21, of which 23 such marriages have been stopped while others were found fake.

In 2021-22, a total 42 complaints were received, of which 37 marriages were stopped. In 2022-23, a total 30 complaints were received, of which 25 marriages have been stopped.

In 2023-24, a total of 25 complaints received about the child marriage, of which 21 were stopped while five complaints were found fake.

In 2024-25, a total of 33 complaints regarding child marriage have been received so far, of which 25 have been stopped.

While highlighting about the evils of the child marriage, Gupta said the child marriage disrupted the health (physical and mental both), development, freedom, equality and education rights of a minor girl.

It often led to early motherhood, poor healthcare access and exposure to domestic, physical, and sexual violence, undermining confidence and independence, she added.

The campaign was launched with a comprehensive strategy including prioritising girls’ education, strengthening child marriage prohibition laws and fostering community awareness through rallies, workshops and digital campaigns to make people aware about the evils of child marriage, domestic violence and prevention of sexual harassment at workplace.

The awareness campaign was being organised with the support of Education and Health Departments, Gram Panchayats, religious institutions and priests, banquet hall owners and other places, she said. As many as 32 programmes had been organised so far in the district under this campaign in the school campus, community centres and village panchayats under the guidance of DC Virender Kumar Dahiya, Gupta said.