On the occasion of Akshay Tritiya, the District Administration, District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW) under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative, along with the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Tseminyu conducted an awareness campaign on the prevention of Child Marriage on the 12th and 13th of May at Government High School in Kasha and Kandinu respectively.

At GHS Kasha, Enatoli Wotsa, Counselor, DCPU Tseminyu, emphasized that child marriage is not only a social evil but also a punishable offence under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, and encouraged the students to act as advocates of change within their communities. Yhunkulo Tep, Case Worker, Child Helpline-DCPU Tseminyu, elaborated on the services provided by Child Helpline 1098, a 24x7 toll-free emergency number for children in distress.

At GHS Kandinu, Neivotuonuo Rutsa, Legal cum Probation Officer (LCPO), DCPU Tseminyu, stated that Child Marriage is a loud injustice. It is a punishable offence under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, which clearly sets the legal age of marriage at 18 years for girls and 21 years for boys. Any person, who performs, promotes or permits such a marriage including the groom can face up to 2 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs. 1 lakh.

Henry Kent, Case Worker, Child Helpline-DCPU, provided insights into the operational framework of Child Helpline 1098, emphasizing its vital role in ensuring the safety and protection of children facing abuse, harassment or any form of exploitation.

(DIPR)