Necessary instructions given to Women and Child Development Department and Child Marriage Prohibition Officers
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh, May 1 –
Haryana Women and Child Development Department has directed child marriage prohibition officers to take effective measures to prevent child marriages, particularly on Akshaya Tritiya. Immediate action should be taken upon receiving any information regarding such incidents.
Giving information in this regard, an official spokesperson said that the Women and Child Development Department will work in full coordination with other departments and ensure complete ban on child marriage in the state.
To facilitate this effort, the public is being informed about the Child Marriage Prohibition Officer, as well as the Police Control Room numbers 112 and 100, the child helpline number 1098, and the women's helpline number 1091 for prompt assistance if needed.
The spokesperson highlighted that Akha Teej often witnesses numerous weddings due to social customs, but awareness is crucial to prevent underage marriages, which are illegal. According to the Child Marriage Prohibition Act of 2006, girls should not be married before the age of 18 and boys before 21. Legal actions, including imprisonment for up to two years and fines up to Rs 1 lakh, are specified for those involved in organizing child marriages. Citizens are urged not to file false complaints, as strict actions will be taken against such individuals.
Owners or managers of community centers, public buildings, banquet halls, and marriage venues are urged to verify the age certificates of brides and grooms for ceremonies held on their premises and retain copies of the documents to prevent child marriages. Additionally, priests, village Panch, Sarpanch, and municipal councilors are encouraged to verify age certificates and report any findings of potential child marriages to the authorities.