Raipur, 06 March 2025
Due to the vigilance of the district administration and the Women and Child Development Department, the marriage of a minor girl was stopped in the village of Salheghori in the Lormi development block of Mungeli district. As per the instructions of Collector Shri Rahul Dev, a special team has been formed in the district to prevent child marriage, which intervened in time and succeeded in stopping this marriage.
On receiving information about child marriage, the team reached the spot under the guidance of District Program Officer Mrs. Sanjula Sharma and postponed the marriage before the haldi ceremony began. During conversation with the family, it was found that due to poverty, illiteracy and financial constraints, they wanted to get the girl married so that they could migrate to other states for work. But the girl showed courage and refused to marry and said that she has studied up to 10th class and wants to continue her education further.
The girl was presented to the Child Welfare Committee, where committee members Smt. Laxmi Sahu, District Child Protection Officer Smt. Anjubala Shukla and Child Helpline Coordinator Shri Umashankar Kashyap honoured her by giving her coconut, pen and diary. Also, the family was assured of all possible help so that they can shape their daughter’s future without any hindrance in her education.
It is worth noting that under the Child Marriage Prohibition Act 2006, there is a provision of 2 years imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh for child marriage. The administration has appealed to the citizens to immediately inform the child helpline number 1098 about child marriage or any child in distress so that necessary steps can be taken in time.
This incident once again proved that a vigilant administration and an aware society can together eradicate evil practices like child marriage. This initiative not only succeeded in giving the girl her rights, but also became an inspiration for other families that educating their daughters is the key to their bright future.
