SRINAGAR, JANUARY 20: In a significant step towards strengthening the nationwide campaign to eliminate child marriage, a sensitization programme on “Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat” was organized for Anganwadi Workers at HSS kothibagh Srinagar under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao by Mission Shakti, Social Welfare Department (SWD) Srinagar.
The programme aimed to enhance awareness and capacity building of Anganwadi Workers, who play a pivotal role at the grassroots level, to identify, prevent, and report instances of child marriage and to promote the rights, education, health, and protection of children, especially girls.
During the session, resource persons of Social Welfare and Education department elaborated on the legal provisions of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, the adverse social, health, and psychological consequences of child marriage, and the importance of community vigilance and timely intervention.
Emphasis was laid on the role of Anganwadi Workers as change agents, counsellors, and first responders in their respective communities.
The speakers highlighted that ending child marriage is not only a legal obligation but also a social responsibility essential for achieving gender equality, women empowerment, and sustainable development. Anganwadi Workers were encouraged to actively engage with parents, adolescents, Panchayati Raj Institutions, schools, and community leaders to create sustained awareness against child marriage.
Interactive discussions, case studies, and experience-sharing sessions were also conducted, enabling participants to better understand practical challenges and solutions in preventing child marriages at the ward level.
The programme concluded with a collective pledge by all participants to work tirelessly towards making their communities child marriage-free, thereby contributing to the vision of a “Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat.”