Reaffirming its dedication to protecting the rights of young girls, the National Commission for Women has instructed all states and Union Territories to step up efforts in preventing child marriages, especially with ‘Akshaya Tritiya’ approaching on April 19. The Commission has directed Chief Secretaries to ensure strict enforcement of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, in all districts.
In a statement, the NCW stressed the urgency and sensitivity of the issue, calling for Chief Secretaries’ personal involvement to coordinate actions across departments. Emphasizing that child marriage is a punishable offense, the NCW warned of legal consequences, including imprisonment of up to two years and a fine of Rs 1 lakh, for all individuals involved in facilitating such marriages.
The Commission urged District Magistrates, Superintendents of Police, and Child Marriage Prohibition Officers to be vigilant and take immediate action upon detecting any cases. To enhance community involvement, state governments were advised to conduct awareness campaigns on the legal repercussions and harmful effects of child marriage, especially in vulnerable districts.
The NCW recommended activating helplines and establishing control rooms during Akshaya Tritiya to ensure timely reporting and intervention. It also suggested monitoring mass marriage events to verify participants’ ages and engaging local bodies, NGOs, and community leaders to prevent potential cases proactively.
