On the eve of ‘Akshay Tritiya’ Women and Child Development Department and Chhattisgarh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) have urged non-government organisations and citizens of the state to stop child marriages.
The ‘Akshay Tritiya’, which falls on Tuesday this year, is considered as auspicious for marriage and on this day large scale child marriages also take place in the state in particular and the country in general.
WCD officials stated that child marriage violates the health, nutrition and education rights of the children. Due to which malnutrition, child mortality rate, maternal mortality rate and domestic violence are on the rise.
“Intimation of any such marriage is vital, so public representatives, social and non-government organisations, self help groups and common man can come forward and provide information of any such incident,” it said.
Based on the information, sub-divisional magistrate, police, anganbadi worker, sarpanch, panchayat secretary, kotwar or regional officers of the WCD would take immediate action, it added.
The information can also be passed on at Child Helpline number 1098 or SCPCR toll free number 1800-233-0055.
As per information, WCD is also coordinating with other departments to act immediately in case any child marriage is reported.
As per law marriageable age for a boy is 21 years and 18 for a girl.
For underage marriage, action can be initiated against the parents, relatives, those participating in the event and also the priest conducting it.
WCD also directed all the panchayats, marriage halls and other centres where marriages are being held to seek the proof of age before allotting the hall for the wedding or registering the marriage.