By Tripura24.in Reporter
In a major push towards making India free from the scourge of child marriage, the Tripura State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (TSCPCR) organized a specialized awareness campaign in the heart of the capital today. Led by the Commission’s Chairperson, Smt. Jayanti Debbarma, the drive took place near the Melarmath area, right in front of the State Women’s Commission office.
The campaign is part of the nationwide “Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat” (Child Marriage-Free India) initiative, which aims to eradicate the practice through social mobilization and legal enforcement.
A Call for Social Vigilance
During the campaign, Chairperson Jayanti Debbarma and other members of the Commission interacted with the public, distributing leaflets and explaining the legal repercussions of child marriage under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.
”Child marriage is not just a social evil; it is a direct violation of a child’s right to health, education, and a future. While our government has prevented hundreds of such marriages recently, we need the community to act as our eyes and ears. Every citizen must pledge that no child in their locality is forced into a wedding before the legal age,” Smt. Debbarma asserted.
Focus on Melarmath: A Hub for Awareness
The choice of Melarmath, a bustling commercial and administrative hub, ensured that the message reached a diverse cross-section of society. The proximity to the Women’s Commission highlighted the collaborative effort between various state bodies to safeguard the interests of young girls, who are most vulnerable to early marriage.
Key Highlights of the Campaign
- Target 2030: The drive emphasized the national goal of making India child marriage-free by 2030, with a target of reducing the prevalence by 10% within this year.
- Community Engagement: The Commission urged residents to report any suspected child marriages to the Child Helpline (1098) or the local police immediately.
- Health & Education: Speakers at the event highlighted how early marriage leads to dropouts from schools and severe maternal health risks.
[Image: Chairperson Jayanti Debbarma and SCPCR members holding banners against child marriage in Agartala]
Dignitaries and Participants
Apart from Chairperson Jayanti Debbarma, the event saw the participation of:
- Members of the Tripura State Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
- Representatives from the Social Welfare and Social Education Department.
- Local social activists and youth volunteers.
The campaign concluded with a mass pledge where participants vowed to fight against child marriage and support the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” mission.
