Mandya District Commissioner Intensifies Campaigns to Eradicate Child Marriage and Dowry System
In a decisive move to combat deep-rooted social evils, Mandya District Commissioner Kumara has issued stringent directives to officials to intensify awareness campaigns across rural areas, targeting the eradication of child marriage and the dowry system. Chairing a crucial district-level integrated committee meeting convened by the Department of Women and Child Development on Wednesday, DC Kumara emphasized the urgent need for proactive community engagement to drive societal change.
Grassroots Outreach and Community Mobilization
DC Kumara instructed Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) teams to actively engage with communities through innovative methods such as street plays and extensive grassroots outreach programs. He stressed that these efforts are vital to sensitize rural populations about the legal and social repercussions of child marriage and dowry practices, fostering a culture of zero tolerance.
Enhanced Monitoring and Vigilance Mechanisms
To detect early warning signs of potential child marriages, DC Kumara called upon schoolteachers to closely monitor the attendance of girl students, ensuring any irregularities are promptly reported. Furthermore, he mandated the strengthening of vigilance at the taluk and gram panchayat levels by establishing properly trained monitoring committees. These committees will be tasked with regular surveillance and intervention to prevent such incidents before they occur.
Focus on Child Welfare and Institutional Support
Prioritizing child welfare, DC Kumara ordered regular and rigorous inspections of Anganwadi centres to guarantee the provision of quality food and adequate nutrition for children. He reviewed the functioning of various support institutions and directed officials to submit a comprehensive evaluation report on the Sakhi One-Stop Centre within a week. Additionally, steps to introduce biometric systems were emphasized to enhance transparency and accountability in service delivery.
Case Resolution and Mission Implementation Review
During the meeting, DC Kumara reviewed case progress, noting that 537 out of 565 cases registered at Santhwana Centres during the 2025–26 period have been successfully resolved. He urged authorities to expedite the disposal of the remaining 28 cases without delay. The implementation of key initiatives like Mission Shakti and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao was also scrutinized, with DC Kumara stressing the importance of providing comprehensive medical, legal, and psychological support for women, alongside promoting girls' education and gender equity.
High-Level Participation and Commitment
The meeting saw the presence of senior officials, including Senior Civil Judge Anand M and CEO KR Nandini, underscoring the collective commitment to addressing these critical social issues. DC Kumara's directives aim to create a robust framework for sustained action, ensuring that Mandya district moves towards a future free from the scourges of child marriage and dowry, while safeguarding the rights and well-being of women and children.
