Rural frontline workers have key role in curbing child marriages: Justice Koshy

Panchayat secretaries, Anganwadi teachers, ASHA workers and members of Self-Help Group (SHG) must play a proactive role in preventing child marriages, ensuring proper nutrition for children and spreading awareness on the protection of women and children, said Justice P. Sam Koshy, Judge of the Telangana High Court and Executive Chairman of the Telangana State Legal Services Authority (TSLSA). He was addressing a sensitisation programme on ‘Protection of Women and Children – Social Responsibility’, in Kamareddy on Saturday.

Administrative Judge for Kamareddy district Justice Nandikonda, who was the guest of honour, underlined the need for widespread awareness of laws related to the prevention of child marriages and the protection of women.

Justice Koshy reiterated that child marriage is a punishable offence and clarified that marriages involving girls below 18 years and boys below 21 years are illegal. He warned that legal action would be taken against parents, elders and mediators involved, and highlighted the adverse impact of child marriage on the health, education and future of girls.

He urged the public to report instances of child marriage to Childline 1098 or concerned authorities and stressed collective responsibility in implementing the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act and the POSH Act. He also explained the role of legal services authorities in safeguarding women and children.

Posters on relevant laws were released on the occasion. Certificates of appreciation were presented to children rescued from child marriages, special officers of KGBV schools, community mediation volunteers and a teacher for awareness initiatives. Two wheelchairs were distributed to senior citizens and sewing machines to women beneficiaries. An awareness skit by the Police Kala Jatha Brundam was also staged.

Principal District and Sessions Judge C.H.V.R.R. Varaprasad, Superintendent of Police M. Rajesh Chandra, Additional District Collector V. Victor, Bar Association president Nanda Ramesh and District Welfare Officer Prameela also addressed the participants.