Jharsuguda, June 4: In a significant step towards safeguarding the rights of children and eliminating child marriage, the Jharsuguda district administration today organized an orientation programme on the District Strategic Action Plan to End Child Marriage (2026–2030). The programme was conducted with the support of UNICEF and various stakeholder departments.
The orientation brought together senior district officials, representatives from the Women and Child Development Department, law enforcement agencies, education and health departments, civil society organizations, and development partners. During the event, officials formally unveiled the district’s action plan aimed at preventing child marriage and promoting the well-being, education, and empowerment of adolescent girls.
Addressing the gathering, speakers emphasized that child marriage remains a critical social challenge that affects girls’ education, health, and future opportunities. They stressed the need for coordinated efforts among government departments, community leaders, educational institutions, frontline workers, and local bodies to ensure that every child enjoys a safe and dignified childhood.
The District Strategic Action Plan outlines a multi-sectoral approach focused on awareness generation, community mobilization, strengthening child protection mechanisms, adolescent empowerment, school retention, and effective implementation of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. The initiative aligns with Odisha’s broader commitment to ending child marriage by 2030 through sustained interventions and community participation.
Officials highlighted the importance of identifying vulnerable children, supporting adolescent girls through education and life-skills programmes, and encouraging communities to report cases of child marriage. The plan also seeks to strengthen district-level monitoring systems and enhance collaboration among stakeholders to ensure timely intervention and prevention.
The orientation concluded with a collective pledge by participants to work towards creating a child marriage-free Jharsuguda and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and achieve their full potential.
Leave a Reply