Kurukshetra admn gears up to prevent child marriages on Akshay Tritiya

The Kurukshetra District administration has geared up to prevent child marriages, especially on the occasion of Akshay Tritiya, falling on April 19.

The Kurukshetra Deputy Commissioner has instructed the Police Department, Women and Child Development Department, Health Department, Education Department, the District Development and Panchayat Officer, the District Social Welfare Officer, the Child Welfare Committee, the District Legal Services Authority, and NGOs and other social organisations to keep a close watch and make collective efforts to curb child marriages on Akshaya Tritiya.

The administration has planned that awareness programmes such as street plays, essay writing competitions, rallies, and other events will be organised at schools to educate students and parents regarding the legal age of marriage and the importance of continuing their education.

Bhanu Gaur, Protection-cum-Prohibition Officer, Kurukshetra, said, “Sincere efforts are being made to educate people about the legal age of marriages and ill-effects of child marriages on children and in society. Last year, four cases were registered while four other marriages were prevented through counselling. We have been asking people to report in case they come to know about any child marriage so that appropriate action can be taken to prevent the marriage.”

“We have already concluded a 100-day campaign, and meetings are being held with the service providers, managers and priests of shrines and marriage palaces. They have been told to take the age proof of the boy and the girl to ensure that they are not underage. They are also being warned of strict action if the use of their premises and involvement is found in any child marriage,” she said.

Deputy Commissioner Vishram Kumar Meena stated that a number of religious and social events are organised on Akshaya Tritiya, but there is also a possibility of child marriages taking place on this day. According to the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, any marriage involving boys under the age of 21 and girls under the age of 18 is not only illegal but is also deemed null and void from the very first day. Strict action will be taken against those who solemnise such marriages, as well as against those who support them.

The DC said any individual who solemnised a child marriage, promoted it, or assisted in its execution in any manner may face imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh. A case will also be registered against such individuals under the relevant sections of the POCSO Act.

Meena stated that while child marriage adversely affected children, it also fostered their abuse and exploitation. Child marriage eliminated opportunities for children’s education and economic empowerment, and led to an increase in maternal mortality rates.

“The District Development and Panchayat Officer has been told to instruct sarpanches and Panchayat members to remain vigilant on April 19, and report child marriages within their respective villages. The District Education Officer has been instructed to issue instructions for maintaining strict surveillance over school and college students who have dropped out,” he added.