Jharsuguda: In a determined move to eradicate child marriage from the region, Laikera Police on Thursday organized an awareness programme at the Kirtan Mandap in Khuntamal Panchayat under Laikera block.
The initiative, aimed at sensitizing communities about the legal and social implications of child marriage, was chaired by Laikera IIC Dilip Behera. Additional Superintendent of Police Madhusikta Mishra attended as the chief guest and addressed the gathering, stressing the detrimental impact of child marriage on children’s health, education, and overall development. She also highlighted the punitive measures under the law for those who facilitate such marriages.
“Child marriage not only violates children’s rights but also attracts legal consequences. Parents, priests, and intermediaries involved in arranging child marriages can be prosecuted,” said Mishra.
The awareness session saw the participation of key community stakeholders including local Sarpanch Sabyasachi Sahu, journalist Gandhiram Behera, Committee Member Rasabati Kisan, and CHO Sila Barla. The attendees were briefed that girls must be at least 18 and boys at least 21 years old to marry, as per the legal mandate.
More than 100 women, Anganwadi workers, ASHAs, and MBK-CRP members attended the event. A collective pledge was taken to ensure a child marriage-free community. The police announced that similar campaigns will be conducted in all panchayats of Laikera block in the coming days.
