Child marriage stopped in Kendrapada
Acting on a tip-off from locals, officials from the child development project office (CDPO) and child protection office (CPO), along with police, intervened at the wedding venue.
The bride, daughter of a daily-wage labourer, was found to be underage after document verification.
"We arrived at the scene while wedding preparations were underway and stopped the marriage despite strong protests from both families. The father had agreed to the marriage due to acute poverty," said Kabita Mallick, child protection officer, Mahakalapada block.
The parents of the minor girl provided a written undertaking not to proceed with the marriage until their daughter turns 18. Under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, marriages involving boys under 21 and girls under 18 are punishable with two years of rigorous imprisonment and/or a fine of Rs 1 lakh.
Social worker Naliniprava Tarei condemned the practice, stating, "Child marriage is an appalling practice that robs children of their childhood and binds them to responsibility when they should be in school and enjoying their youth."
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