2 days ago
Walkathon raises awareness on child marriages
Mandya: Collective efforts by the public and officials are crucial to making Mandya district free from child marriages, said Subramanya JN, principal district and sessions judge and chairman of the District Legal Services Authority.
After inaugurating a mega awareness walkathon, organised in collaboration with the District Judiciary, the district administration, the zilla panchayat (ZP), and the Directorate of Child Protection, Subramanya stressed the need to educate girls about the ill-effects and legal consequences of child marriages.
He urged people to report such cases immediately via Childline-1098 or ERRS112, so the authorities concerned intervene and take legal action against those involved in the illegal act.
DC Kumara said although poverty and illiteracy fuelled child marriages in the past, their persistence today is unacceptable. He recommended that teachers monitor prolonged absenteeism among girls to help detect and prevent potential child marriages.
ZP CEO KR Nandini said children's gram sabhas are now being held at gram panchayat levels to educate children about their rights, while discussions and cultural activities are held to created awareness on child marriages.
Venkatesh, member of Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, pointed out that while legal enforcement reduced traditional child marriages, the rise in cases of underage pregnancies posing a new social challenge.
Senior civil judge Anand M emphasised the importance of ensuring that rescued girls continue their studies.
Officials from various departments, including the police, excise, women and child development, social welfare, and education sectors, participated in the event.
