In a swift response to rising child marriage cases in Odisha’s Kendrapara district, local authorities have launched awareness drives and administered oaths to villagers. The alert follows a special report highlighting the issue in Bengali-dominated villages under Talchua Marine Police Station in Rajnagar block.
The administration sprang into action after the report exposed a troubling increase in underage unions, often conducted with family consent. Officials organized programs in Kerupal and Rangani villages, targeting adolescents, parents, and community leaders.
Child Development Project Officer Minati Mishra detailed the response to IANS. Upon receiving information about the spike, she coordinated with police and conducted a thorough investigation. A detailed report was submitted to seniors, leading to immediate awareness campaigns.
These events drew participation from sarpanchs, ward members, anganwadi workers, gram pradhans, parents, and youth. Discussions focused on the legal penalties and social harms of child marriage, including health risks, education disruption, and future hardships for the children involved.
The campaigns culminated in collective pledges by attendees to abstain from and oppose child marriages in the future. This proactive measure underscores the district’s commitment to eradicating the practice, which remains a persistent challenge in rural, culturally insular communities.
Experts note that while Odisha has made strides in reducing child marriages statewide, pockets like these Bengali settlements require targeted interventions. The administration vows continued vigilance, with monitoring teams to ensure compliance and prevent recurrence.