From Our Correspondent
JOWAI, Feb 28: A three-day awareness campaign on the prevention of child marriage concluded at Dawki under the Amlarem Sub-Division on Friday.
The drive, part of a 100-day district-wise action plan in Meghalaya, was held in alignment with the national Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat campaign. Previous sessions were conducted at the Amlarem and Muktapur market areas to promote legal awareness and community participation.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Judicial Magistrate and secretary of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), DG Kharshiing, spoke on the strict enforcement of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. She reminded the public that the legal age for marriage remains 18 for girls and 21 for boys.
On the other hand, Medical Officer Dr. R. Laloo highlighted the significant health risks associated with early marriage and adolescent pregnancy.
Alongside the awareness programme, an outreach session was conducted at Dawki Bakur, providing free health check-ups for children up to 18 years of age.
Representatives from the Child Helpline (1098), One Stop Centre and the District Social Welfare department also briefed participants on child protection mechanisms and welfare schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY).
The programme was attended by community leaders, self-help groups and locals.
