In a move to curb child marriage in Udaipur district, the Child Rights Department has inaugurated a dedicated control room along with a helpline number. This initiative aims to streamline reporting and intervention processes, making it easier for concerned citizens to alert authorities about any instances of child marriage.

Citizens can report any suspicions or incidents of child marriage by calling the control room at 0294-2414620 between 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM. Alternatively, information can be provided through the Child Helpline number 1098, ensuring multiple channels for reporting and intervention.

During the upcoming Akshaya Tritiya on May 10, a day traditionally marked by marriages, the department has a two-month action plan to address the issue. Recognizing the historical association of this day with weddings, authorities are particularly vigilant about preventing child marriages during this period.

The plan involves a awareness campaign, leveraging the support of NGOs, departmental officials, and employees. The focus will be on engaging with families involved in potential child marriages, educating them about the detrimental effects of such practices.

Taking help with the extensive network of Anganwadi centers, which exceed 3100 in operational capacity within the district, holds promise in reaching every household with awareness messages and prevention efforts.

At the departmental meeting, a thorough review was conducted at various levels, including block, tehsil, and panchayat committees, to assess the status of efforts against child marriage. The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee Yashoda Paniya, members Dr. Sangita Rao, Child Protection Officer Raj Kumar Jeengar, representatives from NGOs such as Nitin Paliwal from Gayatri Sewa Sansthan, Varsha Jain, Akash Upadhyay from UNICEF, and others committed to combating child marriage. 

Source: Dainik Bhaskar