The State Women and Child Development Department has geared up to prepare a Child Marriage Prevention Action Plan.
Sonmoni Borah, Secretary, Women and Child Development Department has issued a circular regarding the plan to the District Collectors, Senior Superintendents of Police, Superintendents of Police, Zila Panchayat Chief Executive Officers, Integrated Child Development Project Officers and other officials.
The circular clearly states of conducting inquiry against parents, relatives and close ones of the bride and groom as per the Child Marriage Prohibition Act 2006.
Officials said cases of malnutrition, mother-infant mortality rate and domestic violence are resulting due to child marriage.
Initially, the areas of the communities wherein the custom of child marriage is prevalent would be identified. The local teachers, Anganwadi workers and other staff will mark these areas. The marriages of each Village and Village Panchayat would be registered, pointed out the circular. The age of the bride and groom will also be noted.
Apart from the monitoring, the circular focusses on spreading awareness against the problem in Gram Sabhas, Anganwadis and Schools. It includes slogan writing, debate and essay writing competitions.
It is to be noted that a large number of child marriages are organized in Chhattisgarh during Akshaya Tritiya.