“Child Marriage Free Udaipur” Campaign Launched

Udaipur: In view of the higher likelihood of child marriages during the upcoming auspicious dates of Akshaya Tritiya (April 19) and Peepal Purnima (May 1), a month-long “Child Marriage Free Udaipur” campaign has been launched. The initiative is being carried out jointly by the district administration, the Department of Child Rights, Gayatri Seva Sansthan, and Just Rights for Children Alliance, New Delhi.

The campaign was inaugurated on Friday at the Government Juvenile Home auditorium with the release of posters during a meeting organized by the Department of Child Rights.

Chairing the meeting, Kuldeep Sharma, Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, Udaipur, stated that child marriage is a punishable offense and strict action will be ensured to prevent it. He emphasized that effective prevention is only possible when all departments actively fulfill their responsibilities.

Deputy Director of the Child Rights Department, K.K. Chandravanshi, informed that the administration is working in full alert mode to make the campaign successful. Various stakeholders involved in marriage functions—such as caterers, band operators, and photographers—were invited and made aware of the legal provisions against child marriage.

On this occasion, Nitin Paliwal, Coordinator of Gayatri Seva Sansthan, shared details about the campaign and announced the launch of a helpline (8239999288) through which people can report incidents of child marriage. The identity of informants will be kept confidential, and upon verification of the information, a cash reward of ₹1100 will be provided.

At the end, Navneet Audichya, District Coordinator of Child Helpline, stated that special teams have been formed and are actively working on the ground. Complaints can also be registered through the Child Helpline number 1098.

Representatives from the District Child Welfare Committee, Child Helpline, Education Department, Labour Department, Medical Department, Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, Gayatri Seva Sansthan, and various NGOs working for children were present at the meeting.