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MP Cracks Down on Child Marriages Ahead of Akshaya Tritiya Ceremonies

The Madhya Pradesh government has intensified efforts to prevent child marriages ahead of the Akshaya Tritiya festival, when mass weddings are traditionally held. It has directed district collectors to launch a comprehensive campaign, deploying special teams to verify ages at ceremonies. Community-level initiatives include public pledges by local representatives and counselling by women's self-help groups. The drive is part of the national 'Child Marriage-Free India' campaign, leveraging grassroots workers and helplines for reporting.

Key Points: MP Govt Steps Up Vigilance to Stop Child Marriages on Akshaya Tritiya

  • Statewide campaign against child marriage
  • Heightened surveillance for mass ceremonies
  • Public pledge by elected representatives
  • Grassroots counselling by SHGs and workers
2 min read

Akshaya Tritiya: MP govt steps up efforts to prevent child marriages

Madhya Pradesh launches statewide campaign with surveillance teams and community pledges to prevent child marriages during mass ceremonies on April 20.

"The initiative is part of the Centre's 'Child Marriage-Free India' campaign - Women and Child Development Department"

Bhopal, April 6

Ahead of Akshaya Tritiya, the Madhya Pradesh government has stepped up efforts to prevent child marriages, issuing detailed directives for strict vigilance during mass marriage ceremonies scheduled on April 20.

Madhya Pradesh's Women and Child Development Department, in a press note issued on Monday, stated it has directed all district collectors to launch a comprehensive statewide campaign against child marriage.

"The initiative is part of the Centre's 'Child Marriage-Free India' campaign led by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, which aims to eliminate child marriage and empower adolescent girls," it stated.

According to data from the National Family Health Survey, Madhya Pradesh has recorded a decline in child marriages in recent years.

However, officials note that the problem persists in certain districts, particularly during culturally significant occasions like Akshaya Tritiya, when large-scale community marriage ceremonies are organised.

To address this, authorities have been instructed to maintain heightened surveillance across both rural and urban areas. Special monitoring teams will be deployed to verify the age of brides and grooms participating in mass marriage events and ensure compliance with legal provisions.

As part of preventive measures, students in schools and colleges will be sensitised about the harmful consequences of early marriage.

"On April 20, elected representatives, including Sarpanchs, ward councillors, and Panchayat secretaries, will take a public pledge to prevent child marriages, with the message widely publicised at Panchayat and ward offices," it said.

At the grassroots level, women from Self-Help Groups will conduct group discussions to counsel families against underage marriages.

With the support of Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, Gram Kotwars, and Panchayat officials, a list of girls below 18 years of age will be prepared, and their families will be regularly counselled and monitored.

The government has also directed officials to widely publicise helpline numbers 181, 1098, and 112, along with the online portal for reporting child marriage cases.

Information teams comprising teachers, health workers, and community representatives will be formed in every village and ward to keep a close watch, it stated.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While the intent is good, I hope the implementation is sensitive. In many villages, these are deep-rooted traditions. Simply deploying monitoring teams might create fear and push these ceremonies underground. The counselling part is crucial—change must come from within the community.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked with NGOs in rural MP, this multi-pronged strategy involving Anganwadi workers, ASHAs, and teachers is exactly what's needed. It's not just about law enforcement, but about creating a supportive ecosystem for girls and their families. The helpline publicity is key.
A
Arjun K
Good to see data showing a decline. But the real challenge is the last mile—those persistent districts. Making Sarpanchs and ward councillors take a public pledge is a powerful move. Peer pressure and social accountability can work wonders in our villages.
V
Vikram M
A respectful criticism: The article mentions the "Centre's campaign," but this problem needs sustained state budget and willpower beyond one festival. What about job opportunities and scholarships for girls? Preventing marriage is step one. Empowering them for life is the real goal.
M
Meera T
This is progress! Using existing community structures like Gram Kotwars and Self-Help Groups is brilliant. They are trusted voices. Let's protect our children's childhood and education. Every girl deserves a chance to dream. 🙏

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