Attempt or Preparation of Child Marriage Is Itself a Crime

Udaipur: A one-day capacity-building workshop was organized on Wednesday by ChildFund India, Udaipur, under the guidance of the District Legal Services Authority Udaipur, District Child Protection Unit, Rajasthan State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, and the district administration.

The workshop focused on key legal frameworks including the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, the Juvenile Justice Act, and the POCSO Act. Participants included members and staff from the Child Welfare Committee, Childline Helpline, District Child Protection Unit, Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, Women Police Station, Juvenile Homes, Girls’ Homes, Education Department, and grassroots workers engaged in child protection.

Program coordinator Rajesh Sharma from ChildFund India stated that the objective of the workshop was to strengthen the Child Marriage Free India Campaign by spreading awareness about legal provisions among field workers and administrative officials, ensuring better understanding and enforcement of laws in Rajasthan.

Key speakers at the workshop included Special Judge Mahendra Kumar Dave, Secretary of District Legal Services Authority Kuldeep Sharma, child protection expert Dr. Shailendra Pandya, Child Commission member Dhruv Kaviya, Deputy Director of Child Rights Department K. K. Chandravanshi, Deputy Director of Women Empowerment Department Sanjay Joshi, and Deputy Director of ChildFund India Rama Rao.

The experts explained in detail the provisions and nuances of the laws and emphasized the need for strict implementation. They highlighted that awareness and proper understanding of legal provisions are essential for ensuring the best interests and overall rights of children.

Dr. Shailendra Pandya and Kuldeep Sharma elaborated on the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, explaining its 21 sections and stressing that even the preparation or attempt to conduct a child marriage is a punishable offense.

Special Judge Mahendra Kumar Dave stated that respect for the law and vigilance are key to creating awareness in society. K. K. Chandravanshi also explained the roles and responsibilities of the administration in preventing child marriage.

Around 50 participants from various departments attended the workshop.