Mumbai: The state women and child welfare dept on Sunday prevented 13 child marriages across the state on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, said minister of state for women and child welfare Meghana Bordikar. These include five in Ahilyanagar, two each in Yavatmal and Dharashiv, and one each in Raigad, Buldhana, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Parbhani. In one case from Yavatmal district, a formal case has been registered. Last year, the dept prevented over 20 child marriages, she said.As Akshaya Tritiya is considered one of the most auspicious muhurats, the likelihood of child marriages increases on this day, especially during mass wedding ceremonies. Keeping this in mind, the department took prior precautions, said Bordikar. The dept organised an online meeting led by Bordikar and attended by the department’s secretary, commissioner, all district collectors, superintendents of police and other officials. Instructions were given to remain alert and implement strict measures to prevent child marriages.A large-scale awareness campaign was conducted at the district, taluka and village levels. Through District Child Protection Units, Child Helpline 1098, Anganwadi workers, Village Child Protection Committees and NGOs working in the child welfare sector, various initiatives such as kirtans, folk performances, street plays, rallies, posters and stickers were organised to educate citizens about the harmful effects of child marriage. Additionally, oath-taking programmes were conducted to spread awareness in every household prior to Akshaya Tritiya.Citizens were also informed about the legal provisions: If the girl is below 18 years of age or the boy is below 21 years, strict action can be taken. Marriage hall owners, band groups, priests and relatives involved can face legal action, with provisions to register a case within 24 hours.The positive impact of these measures was clearly visible on Akshaya Tritiya, said Bordikar, adding that, this being the marriage season, the dept has set up committees at the local level to monitor the situation closely for the next two months.
