Teachers sensitised on child marriage act, POCSO
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 08 2025: A training cum sensitisation programme on Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 for teachers of schools under ZEO Zone-1 and Wangoi was jointly organised by Imphal West district administration and District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Imphal West, Social Welfare Department, at SCERT multipurpose hall, Lamphelpat on Thursday.

The programme was attended by Imphal West additional DC K Jadumani, Imphal West District child protection officer (CPO) Pabitra Thingbaijam and ZEO Zone-1 Sucheta Khumukcham as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, ADC Jadumani explained that the programme was organised to sensitise teachers on POCSO and Prohibition of Child Marriage Act and ensure that students are protected from any unwanted incidents.

He noted that in the state, cases of elopement involving minors are reported, whereas in many mainland states, there are instances of marriages arranged by parents for their children at a very young age.

Such practices have long been prohibited by the government.

In India, it is illegal for girls under the age of 18 and boys under the age of 21 to marry, reminded the ADC.

Jadumani, however, pointed out that it is still common to see parents marrying off their underage children, attributing it to certain social and cultural factors.

"It is imperative to understand the serious consequences of child marriage," he said.

Jadumani also informed that district and block level officers are being appointed for the POCSO and Prohibition of Child Marriage Act which have been enacted to ensure that children get their rights properly.

The help of these officers can be obtained in case of any violation of the rights of children, he added.

Pabitra Thingbaijam also said that marrying minor children is illegal and punishable by law.

While there are no reported cases of child marriage in Manipur, instances of elopement involving minors do occur, noted the CPO.

Pabitra also highlighted the need for coordination among all stakeholders to ensure that children are protected and actively involved in the nation-building process.

The programme was also attended by Manipur High Court advocate and MCPCR legal advisor Thiyam Rajkishore as resource person.

Comment