KUPWARA Takes a Stand Against Child Marriage
In a proactive move to combat child marriage and uphold the rights of children, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) in Kupwara has been diligently executing legal awareness initiatives as part of the NALSA ASHA Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) under the “Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat” campaign. This campaign aims to eradicate child marriage practices and educate communities about the legal ramifications associated with it.
Over the course of one week, the campaign reached approximately 250 villages, directly engaging nearly 9,000 households. The primary objective was to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of child marriage and the legal penalties outlined in the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. Individuals found promoting, permitting, or solemnizing such marriages could face severe consequences under this act.
The outreach efforts included on-the-spot counseling for school dropouts, parents, and guardians, emphasizing the risks of early marriage and the importance of adhering to legal regulations. Educational materials like pamphlets and posters were distributed in public spaces such as schools, Anganwadi centers, and health facilities to ensure maximum visibility.
In addition to door-to-door visits, mass awareness programs were conducted in various institutions to educate children, parents, and community members about child rights, the dangers of early marriage, and legal provisions. The campaign also focused on enhancing community access to legal aid and child protection services, promoting the use of helplines like the Child Helpline (1098) and NALSA Legal Services Helpline (15100).
The Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Portal was highlighted as a platform for reporting suspected child marriage cases and seeking information on legal provisions. Field teams worked tirelessly to ensure households and program participants understood how to use these helplines effectively to safeguard children.
Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) played a crucial role in implementing the campaign at the village level, collaborating with various stakeholders to reach remote and high-risk areas. Families were sensitized about the importance of delaying marriage and prioritizing children’s education and well-being. In some instances, families were persuaded to reconsider early marriage plans, encouraging girls to pursue their education.
The ASHA Unit intensified efforts by conducting door-to-door drives and mass awareness sessions to identify vulnerable children and promote child rights. PLVs, along with other community workers, monitored school dropouts and supported their reintegration to prevent disruptions in their education due to early marriage.
Through the collective efforts of officials, field functionaries, and community members, awareness, vigilance, and commitment to preventing child marriage and protecting child rights have significantly increased in Kupwara. The campaign has set a solid foundation for ongoing advocacy, monitoring, and legal protection of children in the district.
By actively participating in campaigns like “Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat,” communities can work together to create a safe and nurturing environment for children, ensuring their rights are protected and upheld.
