District administration gears up to prevent child marriages on Akshaya Tritiya
Deputy Commissioner Preeti has directed all concerned departments to remain vigilant
With Akshaya Tritiya falling on April 19, the district administration has launched a comprehensive plan to prevent the possibility of child marriages, which are often reported during this occasion.
Deputy Commissioner Preeti has directed all concerned departments to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to curb this social evil.
Chairing a meeting with officers, the Deputy Commissioner said that some families might attempt to conduct child marriages on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya.
“The administration is on alert to stop this illegal practice,” said Deputy Commissioner Preeti.
According to information, as part of the initiative, awareness campaigns will be conducted in schools, including poster-making competitions and other activities to educate students about the harmful efforts of child marriage.
Besides, students will also be encouraged to take an oath against child marriage and participate in awareness rallies.
The administration has also issued strict instructions to all stakeholders involved in organising weddings, including priests, sarpanches, municipal councillors, banquet hall operators, photographers, band-baja operators and tent house owners to verify the age certificates of both the bride and groom before conducting any marriage and to retain copies of these documents.
“Officials of the concerned departments have been asked to closely monitor religious organisations that conduct marriage ceremonies,” said DC Preeti.
She said that in case of any suspicion or information regarding child marriage, people should immediate report to the authorities.
Highlighting legal provisions, the DC said that the legal age of marriage is 18 years for girls and 21 years for boys.
“Violations under the Child Marriage Prohibition Act, 2006 can lead to imprisonment. Strict action will also be taken against those filing false complaints,” she added.
She said that citizens had been urged to report any such incidents through helpline numbers 112, 1098 and 181 or to local authorities including police, anganwadi workers and child protection officials.
She added that schools would appoint nodal officers/teachers to monitor and prevent dropout cases that might lead to child marriages.
