Discourse calls for tackling child marriage
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, February 27 2025: Social Welfare Department organised an 'Orientation-cum-Sensitisation Programme for Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs)' at Sangai Hall of Hotel Imphal, here, on Thursday.

Speaking at the event, Social Welfare director Ngangom Uttam Singh highlighted the expansion of CMPO appointments under the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Campaign.

Compared to only 16 CMPOs designated across the districts, initiation of campaign has strengthened the manpower significantly with the designation of additional district magistrates (ADMs), block development officers (BDOs), Panchayat secretaries, and urban local body officers as CMPOs.

Despite this expansion, Uttam Singh emphasised the need for existing CMPOs to remain diligent in their duties.

Social Welfare director Ngangom Uttam Singh

He also underscored the vital role of the Child Protection Unit (CPU) in assisting local administrations.

The director noted that cases of child marriage appear to be more prevalent in valley areas compared to hilly regions, although this discrepancy may be attributed to underreporting.

In valley areas, BDOs and Panchayat secretaries fulfil CMPO responsibilities, whereas in the hilly regions, only BDOs are appointed.

To address this gap, he suggested that college lecturers and senior teachers of schools could also be designated as CMPOs.

Expanding such appointments at the community and village levels, he added, would facilitate better reporting of child marriage cases.

Uttam further urged stakeholders concerned to submit formal requests for stronger child marriage prevention measures where necessary.

He also acknowledged the challenges in combating child marriage, particularly the reliance on customary laws in cases involving children and women, which can have lasting psychological consequences for victims.

Legal complexities, the need for substantial evidence, and lengthy judicial proceedings further hinder efforts to address the issue, noted the director.

While awareness programmes are crucial, financial constraints remain a challenge, Uttam maintained and advocated for integrating child marriage awareness into existing community initiatives.

The programme featured technical sessions on key legal aspects of child marriage prevention.

Kh Premjit Singh, legal-cum-probation officer, Chandel, provided insights into the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), while Reena Chanu Moirangthem, legal-cum-probation officer, Imphal East, shared experiences in handling child marriage cases.

Thiyam Rajkishore Singh, former chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee, Imphal West, explained the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, stressing the importance of legal enforcement.

According to Reena Chanu, Manipur has reported around 100 cases of child marriage in violation of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, leading to legal action.

Further revealing that these cases were recorded across four valley districts, the legal-cum-probation officer highlighted Thoubal district has reported highest number with 49 cases, followed by Imphal West, Imphal East, and Bishnupur.

Reena Chanu also pointed out that child marriage cases in the hill districts remain largely underreported, as concerned authorities have yet to receive official complaints.

Stressing the need for stricter enforcement, she called for extensive awareness campaigns to educate the public on the harmful effects of child marriage and ensure compliance with the law.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mala Lisham, programme officer, SCPS.

Officials from various districts actively participated in the programme, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening child marriage prevention efforts across Manipur.