THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, APRIL 22, 2026
Marking Akshaya Tritiya — traditionally
considered an auspicious period but also a high-risk time for child marriages —
Humara Bachpan Trust (HBT), in partnership with district administrations,
observed Vigilance Day against Child Marriage across Keonjhar and Kandhamal
districts, reinforcing a collective resolve to eradicate the social evil.
In Keonjhar, extensive
grassroots awareness drives were carried out across panchayats in Patna,
Bansapala, Harichandanpur, and Hatadihi blocks. The campaign focused on early
prevention, encouraging communities to report suspected cases promptly while
strengthening Panchayat-level Child Protection Committees. Over 500 parents and
community stakeholders were sensitized about the harmful consequences of child
marriage, the legal safeguards under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, and
the importance of collective vigilance.
Officials emphasized that
community participation remains the cornerstone of prevention efforts. The role
of Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) was highlighted, with renewed
efforts to ensure their accessibility and responsiveness at the grassroots
level.
In Kandhamal, a focused
training programme was held at the Block Conference Office in Phulbani under
the leadership of CDPO Baijanti Mallick, in the presence of BDO Sai Somyajit
Patra. Around 120 ASHA and Anganwadi frontline workers participated in the
session, receiving hands-on training to identify vulnerable children, detect
early warning signs of child marriage, and take swift preventive measures.
Across both districts, the
initiatives saw active involvement from government stakeholders, including
CMPOs, ASHA units, Anganwadi workers, and community leaders, all of whom
reaffirmed their commitment to ending child marriage.
Humara Bachpan Trust has been
consistently working with district administrations, panchayats, schools, and
religious leaders under the Just Rights for Children programme to build
resilient systems against child marriage. Regular awareness campaigns,
community pledges, and targeted prevention drives during sensitive periods like
Akshaya Tritiya and peak wedding seasons have significantly strengthened local
vigilance.
Addressing the gatherings,
speakers reiterated that child marriage is a punishable offence under the
Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, warning that any involvement — by
families or facilitators — can attract strict legal consequences, including
imprisonment and fines. The critical role of frontline workers as first
responders was strongly underscored.
HBT Executive Director Arpita
Pattnaik expressed satisfaction over the progress achieved, noting a visible
shift in community attitudes. “Increased awareness at the grassroots has
empowered communities to report cases proactively, enabling timely intervention
by authorities,” she said.
The coordinated efforts reflect
a growing momentum in the fight against child marriage. With strengthened
vigilance, empowered frontline workers, and active community participation,
Keonjhar and Kandhamal are steadily advancing towards the goal of becoming
child marriage-free districts well before 2030.
