Campaign Against Child Marriage Kicks Off with Week-Long Awareness Drive Focusing on Social Change and Legal Enforcement

Jharsuguda:April. 29: A week-long awareness campaign against child marriage has been launched by the district administration and District Social Welfare Department in Jharsuguda.
The program was organized at Talpatia Gram Panchayat office premises. District Social Welfare Officer Jayanti Gadtia presided over the event and highlighted the harmful effects of child marriage along with the strict legal provisions against it.
She informed that marrying a girl below 18 years and a boy below 21 years is a punishable offense under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006, which can lead to imprisonment of up to 2 years and a fine of up to ₹1 lakh.
She also advised adolescents who have dropped out after matriculation or +2 to undergo skill training at centers in Jharsuguda and Bhubaneswar to become self-reliant.
Centre Administrator Madhumita Baral informed participants about important helplines for women and child safety, including 181, 1098, and 112. She also highlighted that shelter and vocational training are being provided to distressed women through “Shakti Sadan” homes.
District Child Protection Officer Chudamani Panda shared information on the adoption process and scholarship schemes for economically weaker children. Officials also emphasized that the Child Helpline 1098 operates 24×7.
The program saw active support from staff members and concluded with a vote of thanks by Yajnaseni Mahananda.
The campaign appealed for collective efforts from all sections of society to make Odisha free from child marriage.