Andhra Pradesh, Oct 19: In a special meeting addressing the implementation of the Prevention of Child Marriages Act of 2006 and related government orders (GOs 31 and 39), Kakinada District Collector, Dr. Kritika Sukla, underscored the critical need for raising awareness to prevent child marriages. Dr. Sukla emphasized that both state and central governments aim to eliminate any instances of child marriage.
Speaking at the Collectorate meeting, the Collector highlighted that child marriage is not only an offense but has disastrous consequences on the lives of young girls and the future of their children. She informed the attendees that child marriage is punishable by two years of imprisonment and a Rs. 1 lakh penalty. Urging the public to take action, she stated, “Anyone having information about child marriage should immediately inform by dialing 112 or childline number 1098.”
Dr. Sukla instructed officials to maintain a strict vigil on identified hotspots in the district and submit monthly reports on the situation, emphasizing the importance of village-level meetings.
District Superintendent of Police Sathish Kumar explained that cases could be registered both before and after the performance of child marriages. He urged people to report child marriages by dialing 1098, assuring the confidentiality of their details. The police would take swift action upon receiving information to prevent such marriages.
To further disseminate information, the Collector and the SP released a poster explaining the harmful consequences of child marriages during the meeting.
Various officials, including District Women and Child Welfare Project Director K Praveena, DCPO Ch Venkata Rao, RDO NVV Satyanarayana, District Panchayat Officer R Victor, DEO Nagamani, Social Welfare Joint Director Ramanamurty, and Tribal Welfare Officer A. Vijayasanthi, participated in the meeting.
This initiative underscores the commitment of local authorities to curb the practice of child marriages through awareness and strict enforcement of laws.
