Officials of various government departments and non-governmental organisations discussed at length steps to be taken to prevent of child marriages, which have become a menace in the capital city.
At a workshop organised by Women Development and Child Welfare (WD&CW) Department here on Friday, the participants decided to organise plays, kala jathas and screen short films explaining about Child Marriage Prohibition Act 2006, health consequences if married at young age and violation of child rights and other issues.
Sub-Collector G. Srujana, who participated in the workshop-cum-interactive session, said awareness meetings should be conducted in rural areas to educate the people on the Act and on the health consequences.
She asked the Anganwadi workers, ANMs, Panchayat Secretaries, teachers, Panchayat Executive Officers, Village Revenue Officers, Self Help Group women, WD&CW staff and NGOs to move in villages to stop child marriages.
“If parents spend some time with their wards and talk freely with them, many problems would be solved. Similarly, teachers who act as mentors for students should maintain good relationship with students to prevent the menace,” Ms. Srujana said.
When the participants asked the help of the police to stop child marriages, the Additional Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) and other officers assured to extend all help to the officers and NGOs during the operation.
WD&CW Krishna District Project Director K. Krishna Kumari, who chaired the meeting, said that documentaries and short films would be screened in villages and banners, posters would be displayed at different places with helpline numbers to stop child marriages.
She urged the Endowments officials, priests, khwajas and pastors and the staff of various government departments to cooperate them in preventing the menace.
District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) Ch. Vijay Kumar elucidated about the designated Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) in various departments, their powers and duties. Every CMPO will have powers equal to a police officer while stopping a child marriage, he clarified.
“Persons who violate the Act are liable for two years imprisonment and Rs. 1 lakh penalty. Disciplinary action will be taken on the CMPO concerned, if failed to prevent child marriage in their limits,” the DCPO warned.
The gram panchayat secretary, sarpanch, VRO, school teacher, SHGs, ANM, NGO, Asha and Anganwadi Workers are the CMPOs, Mr. Vijay Kumar clarified.
Vasavya Mahila Mandali president Chennupati Vidya, officers of various departments and NGO representatives participated.
