BVMB campaign held in Kamjong, Tengnoupal districts
Source: Chronicle News Service / Lester Makang / DIO

Ukhrul/Tengnoupal, May 09 2025: Joining the nation-wide campaign against child marriage, Kamjong deputy commissioner (DC) Rangnamei Rang Peter on Friday launched the 'Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat' (child marriage free Bharat) campaign at his office chamber in an event jointly organised by District Administration and District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Kamjong.

Speaking at the event, Peter reminded that the campaign is an initiative of the Ministry of Women and Child Development to eradicate child marriage and ensure education, health, and safety for girls in the country.

Inspired by the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Abhiyan, the campaign aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 and the vision of a developed India (Viksit Bharat) by 2047, he added.

Stressing the need for raising awareness of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, the DC appealed to the officials and staff of the line departments dealing with the campaign to work unitedly and dedicatedly until the campaign reaches the last house of the last village in the district.

In his speech, Kamjong DCPO M Robinson highlighted that under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006, marriages involving girls under 18 year of age and boys under 21 are strictly prohibited along with severe penalties for violators and urged the public to report any incident of child marriage to Child Helpline 1098 .

A pledge on protection of child marriage was also taken as a part of the programme, also attended by District Child Marriage Prohibition Officer and ADM/SDO Kamjong HL Jain, Block Child Marriage Protection Officers and SDOs of Kasom Khullen, Phungyar and Sahamphung, A Rohinikumar, Nimmi Azingwungshi Kham-rang and Subinson Sapam, along with DLOs, officials and staff of DCPU and District Administration.

Meanwhile, in Tengnoupal district, an awareness programme aimed at preventing child marriage and promoting child protection was held at Machi High School on Friday.

The programme was jointly organised by Foundation of Rural Development (FORD) Machi and District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Tengnoupal as part of the nation-wide Bal Vivah Mukta Bharat campaign.

Teachers, students, local leaders and other community stakeholders participated in the programme, which focused on raising awareness of key issues affecting children.

Discussions centred on various laws, including the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Speakers reflected on the legal consequences of child labour and early marriage, and urged the community to play an active role in prevention and intervention efforts.

A poster campaign was also conducted to visually educate participants on child rights and legal safeguards.

Organisers widely promoted the toll-free Childline number 1098, encouraging the public to report any incidents of child abuse, exploitation or child labour.

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