Dadenggre, Feb 3: In view of the 100-Day District-wise Action Plan for the Prevention of Child Marriages in Meghalaya, an awareness programme was held today at Bharalgaon village under Selsella C & RD Block today. The programme was organised under the aegis of the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA). The programme is being implemented from 4th December 2025 to 8th March 2026 under the NALSA ASHA Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Campaign.
It may be mentioned that the public outreach programme is aimed to sensitise citizens on the legal, social, and health implications of child marriage and to promote collective responsibility in preventing the practice. Since most child marriages take place in these areas, therefore, the location was strategically chosen to ensure wider community engagement and awareness.
During the programme, the Assistant Legal Defence Counsel, DLSA, West Garo Hills Tura Jingjang Ch Marak highlighted on the 100 days District Wise Action Plan as part of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006 in Meghalaya under NALSA ASHA SOP and Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Campaign. He also mentioned about the long-term consequences of early marriage on children, particularly girls. Members of the public were also informed about the available legal aid services, helpline numbers, and reporting mechanisms to enable timely intervention in suspected cases of child marriage.
Meanwhile, the District Child Protection Counselor, Tura S B Marak informed about Mission Vatsalya rehab module and Child Protection in context with child marriage. She also mentioned about the available legal aid services, helpline numbers and reporting mechanisms to enable timely intervention in suspected cases of child marriage. She also explained about the Institutional care, Observation Homes and the kind of services available in these facilities.
Feroz Hussain, ALADC informed the public in local language for better understanding and implementation of the campaign.
Officials and volunteers encouraged the general public to remain vigilant and to report any instances of child marriage. Awareness materials were distributed, and emphasis was laid on the importance of education and safeguarding the rights and future of children.
The programme forms part of a district-wide and state-level effort to strengthen grassroots awareness through continuous engagement with communities. Similar awareness activities are being conducted across various districts of Meghalaya to ensure effective implementation of the 100-day action plan.
Through this initiative, the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children’s rights and working towards the goal of a child marriage–free Meghalaya, in alignment with the national vision of the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Campaign.
