A one-day awareness programme on “Pre-Marital Counselling in Manipur” was jointly organised by the Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW) and the Women Cell of Regional College, Lilong Chajing, at the college seminar hall on Tuesday.

The programme aimed to highlight the importance of pre-marital counselling in promoting healthy family relationships, mutual understanding and social harmony.

Chairperson of MSCW Th. Tiningpham Monsang, MSCW Member Sk. Sophia, Member Secretary W. Phajatombi Devi, MCS, Principal of Regional College L. Chandrakumar Singh, and Women Cell Convenor M. Basanti Singha attended as presidium members.

Addressing the gathering, Tiningpham Monsang said the MSCW, a statutory body established in 2006, works to protect and promote women’s rights in Manipur. She noted that many cases of domestic violence and family disputes handled by the Commission stem from issues that existed prior to marriage, stressing the need for pre-marital counselling for both men and women to prevent family breakdowns. She also called upon students and staff to spread awareness and contribute to building a progressive and harmonious society.

W. Phajatombi Devi highlighted the legal age of marriage—18 for women and 21 for men—and expressed concern over the rising incidence of child marriage. She said the Commission has been actively conducting awareness programmes under the Prevention of Child Marriage Act and stressed that proper counselling can help ensure successful and stable marriages.

A technical session was also held, with retired District and Sessions Judge A. Noutuneshwari Devi speaking on “Aspects of Pre-Marital Counselling,” and former MSCW member L. Dayabati Devi addressing “Pre-Marital Counselling: Family Roles and Responsibilities.” Faculty members, students and invited guests attended the programme.