Strong Measures Needed to Curb Social Evils Like Child Marriage and Malnutrition, Says Collector
Published on: December 15, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
Collector Shri Jitendra Yadav on Monday participated in a district-level orientation workshop held at the District Panchayat auditorium for the effective implementation of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao – Child Marriage Free Chhattisgarh campaign.
Addressing the gathering, the Collector said that strong and decisive steps are essential to curb deep-rooted social evils such as child marriage and malnutrition. He stressed that achieving freedom from child marriage and malnutrition is possible only through social awareness and active public participation.
Explaining the critical stages of life, the Collector said there are three important phases — the first being child care and protection, the second education and employment, and the third marriage, which should take place only after girls attain 18 years of age and boys 21 years. He underlined the importance of ensuring children’s safety and proper nutrition during the early years.
He said child marriage is a social malpractice that significantly increases the risk of malnutrition among girls and obstructs their overall development. “It is our collective responsibility to eliminate social distortions like child marriage and malnutrition. Awareness at the community level is crucial to eradicate this harmful practice,” he added.
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The Collector also noted that individuals connected with social causes often become agents of change and play a key role in eliminating such practices. He reviewed the status of child marriage-free panchayats in the district and administered an oath to all participants, pledging commitment towards making the district free from child marriage.
Programme Officer, Women and Child Development Department, Mrs Gurpreet Kaur, said that to ensure effective implementation of the campaign, training is being provided to various departments including Education, Police Administration, Child Welfare Committee, child care institutions, UNICEF volunteers, community leaders, and stakeholders associated with marriage rituals. She said the district aims to be declared child marriage-free and appealed to all stakeholders to actively contribute towards preventing child marriages.
Trainer and State Coordinator of Association for Voluntary Action – Bachpan Bachao Andolan, Raipur, Mr Vipin Thakur, provided detailed information on laws related to child marriage. He explained that under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, marriage is considered illegal if the groom is below 21 years or the bride below 18 years of age. He also elaborated on the Prohibition of Child Marriage Rules, 2006, and highlighted the legal responsibilities of various departments, including the police, in preventing child marriages.
He urged participants to immediately inform Childline in case of any information related to child marriage.
The workshop was organised in two sessions. The first session included representatives from the Police Department, Women and Child Development Department, Education Department, Childline, Panchayats, and Urban Local Bodies. The second session focused on training social leaders and other stakeholders such as tent house operators, beauty parlours, jewellers, mehendi artists, lighting operators, band parties, DJ operators, and caterers.
District Child Protection Officer Shri Chandrakishor Lade, along with other officials, social leaders, community-based organisations, NGOs, influencers, and stakeholders associated with marriage-related services were present on the occasion.
