The District Administration Kangpokpi, in collaboration with the District Child Protection Unit, has launched an awareness campaign and sensitisation program against child marriage at the DC Conference Room in Kangpokpi district.

Mahesh Chaudhari, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Kangpokpi, who graced the occasion as chief guest, praised the Officer-in-Charge, staff of the Social Welfare Department, and the District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) for their tireless efforts in curbing illegal activities in the district. He highlighted the need for collective action from various departments, NGOs, communities, the SP Office, and the District Administration to effectively combat child marriage. Chaudhari also urged the public to promptly report any such incidents, stressing that child marriage leads to psychological trauma, economic hardship, and physical harm for underage children.

The DC further acknowledged the pivotal role played by SH-ADC and the ZEO office through their poster campaigns and orientation programs in spreading awareness and preventing child marriages at the grassroots level.

Jampu Kipgen, a representative of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) Kangpokpi, served as a resource person during the event. He elaborated on the provisions of the POCSO Act 2012 and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006, noting that marriage involving girls under 18 and boys under 21 is illegal and constitutes a criminal offense. Kipgen also underscored the stringent penalties for violators and emphasized the importance of educating officials to help prevent child marriages in their respective jurisdictions. His session was described as insightful and an eye-opener for many attendees.

As part of the initiative, a pledge against child marriage was administered to all participants, reinforcing the commitment to safeguard children’s rights and well-being.

The event was attended by Hemant Kumar, IAS, SDO T-Waichong; Lamminlal Simte, MCS, SDO Champhai; Kaigoulal Kipgen, MCS, SDO Saikul; along with other SDOs, SDCs, DLOs, and officials.