Varanasi: Ahead of Akshaya Tritiya on April 19, district probation officer Pankaj Kumar Mishra has urged residents of Varanasi to help eliminate the social evil of child marriage and cooperate with authorities to prevent such incidents.Highlighting that cases of child marriage are often reported on this auspicious day, Mishra said special surveillance teams have been constituted at the district level to monitor and act against any such violations. Citizens have been encouraged to report information through helplines, including Child Helpline (1098), Police Emergency Service (112), and Women Helpline (181).He emphasized that child marriage is not only a punishable offence under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 but also a serious violation of the health, education, and future of children. Those found involved in organising, facilitating, or participating in child marriages can face imprisonment of up to two years and a fine of up to Rs1 lakh. This includes parents or guardians, priests or organisers conducting the ceremony, and any individual aiding or encouraging such acts, as well as adult grooms marrying minor girls.Mishra appealed to parents, gram pradhans, Anganwadi workers, teachers, social organisations, and police personnel to remain vigilant in their respective areas and promptly inform authorities of any suspected cases. He also urged the police to take immediate cognisance and ensure strict legal action against offenders.
