Administration's Promptness Stops Two Child Marriages

Administration's promptness stopped two child marriages. Despite heavy rain, the team reached the village and ensured a safe future for children. Success story. Raipur, under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sahu, the campaign to make Chhattisgarh free from child marriage is delivering consistent effective results. In Sukma district, the district administration's promptness and sensitive initiative stopped two child marriages in time. The action was taken in Kawasipara, Phoolbagri village amid torrential rain. Upon receiving information, the team reached the village. As soon as the Child Helpline 1098 reported the child marriage, a joint team of the District Women and Child Development Department, District Child Protection Unit, Child Line and Police Department set off immediately for the village. Despite difficult weather and rain, the team arrived on time at the spot and succeeded in halting both child marriages. Change in families' decision after counseling. Preparations for the wedding were underway in the village. Officials respected local traditions and spoke to the families in a peaceful and sensitive manner. The team explained the Child Marriage Prohibition Act, 2006 and informed them that marriage at a young age seriously affects children's health, education and future. The positive result of the administration's counseling emerged. Both families decided to postpone the child marriages. The girls also expressed the desire to continue their studies and move towards a safe future. Legal process also completed. To make the entire action transparent and legal, a Panchanama and declaration-paper were prepared on the spot. This ensured that children's rights can be protected in the future. Commitment of the administration for children's safety. This campaign was carried out under the guidance of Collector Shri Amit Kumar, District Women and Child Development Officer Shri Shivdas Netam and District Child Protection Officer Shri Jitendra Singh Baghel. In this action, protection officer (non-institutional oversight) Ms. Manisha Sharma, sector supervisor Ms. Rashmi Chandravanshi and social worker Shri Jogendra Dirdho played important roles. This success in Sukma shows that timely information, administrative promptness and sensitive dialogue can stop social evils like child marriage. This initiative is an inspiring example towards a safe, educated and bright future for children.