Ranchi: Under the directions of the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) and the guidance of the Chairman-cum-Judicial Officer Anil Kumar Mishra-1, a legal awareness programme was organised at the Panchayat Secretariat, Bodeya, under Kanke Block, as part of the 100-day campaign against child marriage. The programme was conducted under the ‘Asha Abhiyan’ run by NALSA.
DALSA informed the villagers that marriage of girls below 18 years of age and boys below 21 years of age is considered child marriage and is a punishable offence under law. It was explained that child marriage hampers education, leads to an uncertain future, increases the risk of domestic violence and abuse, and poses serious health risks to both mother and child due to early pregnancy and childbirth.
Emphasising prevention and solutions, DALSA stated that increasing awareness, promoting girls’ education, strict enforcement of the law, and use of child protection services such as the 1098 helpline are essential. Information was also shared about the free legal aid services provided by the District Legal Services Authority, Ranchi, including Lok Adalat, mediation, and pre-litigation matters. Villagers were also informed about the toll-free number 15100.
Law students addressed issues related to witchcraft practices, child labour, crimes against children, and domestic violence. The Panchayat Secretary Rajni Kumari, Mukhiya Soma Oraon, and other public representatives sensitised the community about legal provisions under the Child Marriage Prohibition Act, 2006, and the legally prescribed age for marriage.
The programme was attended by Deputy LADC members, law students, Panchayat Secretary Rajni Kumari, Mukhiya Soma Oraon, PLVs Mohammad Aamir Suhail, Jameel Akhtar, Rajendra Mahato, Bhanu Devi, Babita Devi, Devanti Devi, Phuleshwari Devi, Sarita Devi, Seema Devi, Sharda Devi, Malti Devi, Bharti Sahdev, and a large number of villagers. During the programme, job cards and old-age pension approval letters were also distributed to beneficiaries through PLVs.
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