The District Administration and DHEW under the BBBP initiative, in collaboration with DCPU Tseminyu, conducted an awareness campaign on the prevention of child marriage.
TSEMINYU, MAY 15 (MExN): On the occasion of Akshay Tritiya, the District Administration and District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW) under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative, in collaboration with the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) Tseminyu, conducted an awareness campaign on the prevention of child marriage at Government High Schools in Kasha and Kandinu on May 12 and 13, respectively.
At Government High School Kasha, Enatoli Wotsa, counsellor, DCPU Tseminyu, said child marriage is not only a social evil but also a punishable offence under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. She urged students to become advocates of change in their communities.
Yhunkulo Tep, case worker, Child Helpline-DCPU Tseminyu, spoke about the services provided by Child Helpline 1098, a 24x7 toll-free emergency number for children in distress.
At Government High School Kandinu, Neivotuonuo Rutsa, Legal-cum-Probation Officer, DCPU Tseminyu, termed child marriage a "loud injustice". She said the Act clearly stipulates the legal age of marriage as 18 years for girls and 21 years for boys. Any person who performs, promotes or permits such a marriage, including the groom, is liable to face imprisonment up to two years and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh, she said.
Henry Kent, case worker, Child Helpline-DCPU, explained the operational framework of Child Helpline 1098 and highlighted its importance in ensuring the safety and protection of children facing abuse, harassment or exploitation.
