Ratia/Jakhal, January 19:- Under the able leadership of Superintendent of Police Mr. Siddhant Jain IPS, the district police is running a special campaign to eradicate the social evil of child marriage. As part of this campaign, a comprehensive awareness program was organized today at the Jakhal police station premises. The main objective was to sensitize various sections of society about the Child Marriage Prohibition Act and to make them partners in this fight.
*Participation of Key Stakeholders*
A large number of hotel owners, marriage hall operators, catering service providers, printing press (card printing) operators from the Jakhal area, along with Sarpanches from rural areas and Municipal Council (MC) members, participated in the program.
*Detailed Discussion on Legal Provisions*
Specially invited Child Marriage Officer of Fatehabad, Mrs. Rekha Agarwal, apprised the gathering about the intricacies of the Child Marriage Prohibition Act. She clarified that:
Child marriage is not only harmful to health but also a violation of children's human rights.
Parents, relatives, priests/pandits, and those providing services at the wedding (tent, catering, band) are all considered legally liable if they facilitate a child marriage.
There are provisions for rigorous imprisonment and heavy fines for those found guilty.
*Appeal from the Administration*
Sub-Inspector Mr. Suresh Kumar, the in-charge of Jakhal police station, appealed to the local business owners to mandatorily check the age-related documents (such as Aadhaar card or birth certificate) of the bride and groom at the time of booking. He said, "Only with the cooperation of the police and the public can we make the district free from child marriage. Report any suspicious case immediately to the helpline number 112."
*Social Pledge*
At the end of the program, all the dignitaries and business owners present collectively pledged that they would neither allow child marriages to take place in their area nor would they be a part of any such event. They assured the administration of their full cooperation.