Campaign against child marriage launched in Noney, Thoubal
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Noney/Thoubal, May 05 2025: In a coordinated effort to combat underage marriage, the "Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat" (Child Marriage Free Bharat) campaign was launched on Monday in Noney and Thoubal districts as part of a nationwide movement to end child marriage.

In Noney district, the campaign organised by the district administration and District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Noney, in collaboration with One Stop Centre, Noney, was launched by deputy commissioner (DC) Dr Sharath Chandra Arroju at the DC's conference hall.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Arroju stressed that child marriage has adverse effects ort the health, education, and employment opportunities of girls.

Campaign against child marriage launched in Noney, Thoubal

"If a marriage takes place with the girl under 18 years of age and boy under 21 years, such marriages are classified as Child Marriage or Under Age Marriage," he explained, urging the public to report such unlawful practices to authorities concerned or enforcement agencies and assured that appropriate legal action would be taken.

He further appealed to the DCPO, DCPU, and other departments dealing with child marriage cases to work unitedly and act promptly for the better future of every girl child in the district.

A pledge to protect children from child marriage was taken by all attendees.

The event was also attended by SP Namsadai Peter Kamei, ADM Steve Khapudang, and DCPU, Noney protection officer Palmei Kakhuran as guests of honour, functional president, and resource person respectively.

In a similar event held at the election counting hall of the Thoubal DC office complex, a training-cum-awareness programme was jointly organised by the district administration and DCPU, Thoubal under the theme "The Protection of Child Marriage Act 2006".Thoubal ADM Lokeshor Brahmacharimayum and CWC chairperson Langpoklakpam Romen attended as chief guest and president.

Speaking at the event, Lokeshor explained the "Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat" campaign aims to end child marriage across India and highlighted the need for every citizen to understand the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 .

He noted that marriages below the legal age are punishable and warned that parents and guests attending such weddings may also be penalised under the law.

He urged the public to report any incident of child marriage to Child Helpline 1098 or Police Helpline 112 .

The programme was attended by officials from police, BDO offices, Thoubal Municipal Council, and DCPU, Thoubal.