Swift action prevents 14 child marriages Prevented in Janjgir-Champa

JANJGIR,INDIA: In a major success for child protection efforts, the district administration of Janjgir-Champa, in collaboration with the Women and Child Development Department, has prevented 14 child marriages over the past two weeks. The proactive measures ensured that the future of several minor children was safeguarded.

District Program Officer Anita Aggarwal said a dedicated campaign against child marriage has been underway in the district. Led by District Child Protection Officer Gajendra Singh Jaiswal, the campaign has worked in coordination with the police department to intervene and halt illegal marriages across various villages.

On Thursday alone, officials stopped five child marriages in Avarid village, Nawagarh. Upon receiving information, teams from the administration and the Women and Child Development Department promptly reached the site. Birth records and physical identification marks of the children were verified, confirming that their ages were below the legal marriage age. Officials then counseled families and local residents on the harmful consequences of child marriage. With their consent, the weddings were called off, and formal declarations were signed before witnesses.

Notably, three of these marriages were scheduled for February 18, 19, and 21, while two were planned for December. Due to the administration’s vigilance, they were prevented well in advance, sparing families from financial loss, social stigma, and emotional distress.

District Program Officer Anita Aggarwal emphasized that child marriage is not just a social practice but a severe threat to children's health, education, and future. "Early marriages hinder physical and mental development, increase risks of malnutrition, anemia, and complicated childbirth in girls, and disrupt education, depriving children of self-reliance," she stated. "It also raises the likelihood of domestic violence, exploitation, and social inequality."

She urged the public to report any suspected child marriages to the authorities, assuring that timely intervention can help secure a better future for children. "Ending child marriage is a shared responsibility of both the administration and society. Citizens must join hands to eradicate this harmful tradition and ensure a brighter future for our youth."