Bishnupur steps up fight against child marriage on Akshaya Tritiya
Source: The Sangai Express

Moirang, April 19 2026: In a concerted effort to curb child marriages, New Life Foundation, Manipur, an NGO working for the protection of child rights and the prevention of child marriages in Bishnupur, observed Vigilance Day on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya across Bishnupur district.

The initiative witnessed active participation from Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) and ASHA workers, who reaffirmed their commitment to preventing child marriages.

In a statement, the organisation said that the campaign forms part of its ongoing efforts to prevent child marriage and eliminate the practice, particularly during cultural significant occasions when such incidents tend to increase.

New Life Foundation, Manipur has been working extensively at the grassroots level, conducting awareness programmes in schools, panchayats, and villages.

By engaging community leaders, religious figures, and local institutions, the organisation has administered anti-child marriage pledges to thousands across the district.

Special drives are regularly undertaken during sensitive periods, including festive and wedding seasons.

Expressing satisfaction over the success of the campaign, Dr L Pishak, secretary of the foundation, stressed that child marriage is a serious offence and cannot be justified under religious or cultural protexts.

He noted that due to increased vigilance by both the administration and civil society organisations, there has been a noticeable decline in such cases, though sustained efforts are still required for complete eradication.

Dr Singh further highlighted that under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006, those involved in facilitating child marriages - including family members and service providers such as caterers, decorators, confectioners, florists, band players, and even religious officiants - can face imprisonment of up to two years, a fine, or both.

He added that intensive awareness campaigns on the ground, with more people now reporting cases of child marriage, and prompt action by the authorities has contributed to a positive shift in public response.

Expressing optimism, he said that the district is on the track to achieve the goal of becoming child marriage-free by 2030 .

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