Kakching: An awareness programme on the theme “Child Marriage Free Gram Panchayat” was organised at Keirak Keithel Lampak Community Hall in Kakching district as part of the ongoing Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) campaign.
The programme was conducted by the Office of the District Programme Officer, ICDS Cell, under the leadership of N. Parango Singh and under the supervision of the District Administration Kakching. The initiative aimed to strengthen grassroots efforts to eliminate child marriage and safeguard the rights of children.
The resource person for the programme, Advocate Kshetrimayum Sarankumari Devi, Panel Lawyer of the Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA), spoke extensively on the central theme. She highlighted that child marriage continues to be a serious social and legal issue with long-term consequences for children and society.
She informed the gathering that the legal minimum age for marriage in India is 18 years for girls and 21 years for boys. Any marriage conducted below these ages is a punishable offence under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006(PCMA). She further elaborated on the legal provisions available to address and prevent such cases.
The advocate also raised awareness about Childline 1098, a 24-hour toll-free emergency helpline for children in distress. She emphasized that complaints can be made anonymously and immediate intervention can be sought to prevent child marriage and protect children at risk. She urged the public to report instances of child marriage and violations of child rights.
Additionally, M. Bimola Devi, Supervisor of the ICDS project, briefed attendees on the various services provided under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).
The awareness programme witnessed participation from around 80 attendees.
