Ranchi |
A legal awareness program against child marriage was organized at the Kuli Panchayat Bhawan under Itki Block by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Ranchi. The program was conducted as part of the 100-day special campaign under the NALSA-supported Asha Abhiyan, with the objective of creating a child-marriage-free society and promoting education as a means of empowerment.
Addressing the gathering, LDC Assistant Pankaj Kumar Sharma said that marriage of a girl below 18 years of age and a boy below 21 years is considered child marriage. He explained that child marriage disrupts education and leads to a bleak future. It also increases the risk of domestic violence and abuse, and causes serious health hazards for both mother and child due to early pregnancy and childbirth. He added that early marriage often results in economic dependence and social vulnerability.
Law student Ananya Priyadarshi from the National Law University focused on solutions and prevention of child marriage. She emphasized the need to increase awareness, promote girls’ education, strictly enforce laws, and make effective use of child protection services such as Child Helpline 1098. She urged people to strengthen the message of “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao.” Referring to the ideals of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, she said that educating one woman means educating the entire family, society, and the nation.
Pankaj Kumar Sharma also informed villagers about the free legal aid services provided by the District Legal Services Authority, Ranchi, and shared information about the toll-free number 15100. Apart from child marriage, Ananya Priyadarshi also educated the participants on issues such as witch-hunting, child labour, crimes against children, and domestic violence.
During the program, PLVs distributed pamphlets and leaflets and appealed to the community not to engage in child marriage. The event was attended by Hidayatullah, PLV Rakesh Kumar Pandey, Ajay Kumar Gop, Sonu Kumar Sahu, Shankar Sahu, Masoom Raja, Kuli Panchayat Mukhiya Vinay Uraon, Asha Foundation Coordinator Lalan Sahu, Devgi Tirkey, and other local residents.
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