NEWS – The State government has announced a reward of ₹50,000 for gram panchayats that either fully eliminate or significantly reduce child marriage cases. This initiative was launched in the current financial year to incentivize local governments to tackle child marriage at the grassroots level.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Collaborating Departments:
  • Seven government departments are involved, including:
    • Home Department
    • Health Department
    • School Education and Literacy
    • Panchayat Raj and Rural Development
    • Women and Child Development Department
  • These departments are working in coordination to prevent child marriages through a comprehensive approach.
• Appointment of Child Marriage Prohibition Officers:
  • The government has appointed 59,000 employees from various departments as Child Marriage Prohibition Officers.
  • These officers are tasked with collaborating with NGOs and other government departments to prevent child marriages across the State.

Challenges and Persistent Causes of Child Marriage

• Underlying Issues:
  • Despite ongoing efforts, child marriage persists due to:
    • Poverty and economic challenges
    • Superstitions and cultural practices
    • Migration and lack of community stability
    • Lack of legal awareness about child marriage laws
  • Coordination Issues:
    • Poor coordination among various government departments has historically hindered the effectiveness of initiatives to combat child marriage.