In a significant move to protect the rights of children, the central government has issued a directive to all states and districts across India to launch a sustained campaign over the next ten years. The ambitious goal is to make the entire nation free from the scourge of child marriage. The district of Dharwad in Karnataka is taking a pioneering role in this nationwide mission.
Dharwad's Blueprint for a Child-Marriage-Free Future
District Commissioner Divya Prabhu, while presiding over the 'Child Marriage-Free India Campaign' program in Dharwad, laid out a clear roadmap. She announced that before Dharwad can be declared a child-marriage-free district, every single village within its jurisdiction must first achieve that status. To make this a reality, the ongoing 100-day child awareness programmes must penetrate every household, ensuring the message reaches families at the grassroots level.
Prabhu highlighted the proactive steps already taken in the district. Child marriage control and prohibition committees have been formed and activated at both the village and taluk levels. These committees include various officials tasked with vigilance and action. "The number of child marriages has reduced in the past year, and all officials must work towards bringing it down to zero in the coming year," she stated, setting a clear and urgent target.
A Multi-Pronged Strategy Involving All Sections of Society
The DC emphasised that awareness cannot be the sole responsibility of a few officials. She called for a collective societal effort. Awareness programmes must be conducted monthly in all educational institutions, from schools to colleges. Furthermore, organisations need to be identified and trained to become partners in this cause. Awareness must also be created among all categories of government officials.
"Eliminating child marriage cannot be achieved if only the concerned officials create awareness," Prabhu asserted. She stressed that every individual, at every level, must educate the public. She framed it as a civic duty, stating it is the responsibility of every citizen and society as a whole to inform the authorities whenever a case of child marriage is noticed.
Judicial Mandate and Inter-Departmental Cooperation
Senior Civil Judge PF Doddmani, who inaugurated the campaign, provided the judicial context for the drive. He noted that the Supreme Court and various high courts have issued strict directions to prevent child marriages in society. In response to these directives, the nationwide campaign has been launched with the objective of making India free from this social evil.
Judge Doddmani underscored the importance of collaboration between key government departments for the campaign's success. He specifically pointed out that the school education department, women and child development department, and labour department must work in tandem with the Panchayat Raj department. This inter-departmental synergy is considered crucial for creating a robust protective ecosystem for children.
The campaign in Dharwad represents a critical local implementation of a national vision. With a structured plan involving committees, mandatory awareness in schools, and a call for community vigilance, the district is positioning itself at the forefront of a decade-long battle to secure the childhood and future of India's young citizens.
