Assam: Awareness Meeting On Child Marriage Held In Barpeta

BARPETA: In an effort to combat child marriage, the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW) under the Women and Child Development Department, Barpeta, organized an awareness meeting at Jania on Tuesday. The initiative was supported by the Piramal Foundation.

The event was chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner (Social Welfare) Mousumi Chetia and attended by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Bidyut Vikash Bora Borbhuyan, the District Social Welfare Officer, Block Development Officer (BDO) Mandia, Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) Mandia, District Child Protection Officer (DCPO), Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee, health officials, Gram Panchayat representatives, Anganwadi workers, and local residents.

Addressing the gathering, ADC Mousumi Chetia emphasized the need to empower women and involve both genders in eradicating child marriage. ASP Bidyut Vikash Bora highlighted the Child Marriage Prohibition Act and enforcement measures to curb the practice.

DCPO Jitul Bora conducted a session on prevention strategies, while health officials discussed the adverse effects of early marriage on girls’ health and education.

Participants took a pledge for the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign and Child Marriage Mukt Gram Panchayat. A street play showcased the harsh realities of child marriage, and stalls were set up for Sukanya Samriddhi account openings and Ayushman Card registration.

As part of the initiative, talented girls were honored under the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ theme, and trees were planted in the names of newborn girls by ADC and ASP. Fourteen gram panchayats have been marked as vulnerable, and future awareness programs will focus on strengthening prevention efforts. With teamwork and dedication, Barpeta hopes to build a future where every child can reach their full potential.

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