Chittoor Collector calls for collective efforts to eradicate child marriages

Chittoor District Collector Sumit Kumar urged for unified actions to end the practice of child marriages during a Friday review meeting, emphasizing the need for awareness campaigns to start in schools. The District Collector chaired the meeting at the ZP Meeting Hall, urging students from Class 6 to become aware of the negative consequences of child marriage, its legal implications, and available support systems.

Sumit Kumar proposed that Self Help Groups should incorporate prevention efforts into their agendas to effectively reach every household. Hostel staff members should remain vigilant while issuing Transfer Certificates to deter girls from leaving school for marriage, and promptly alert the police and enforcement officials if any suspicious instances are observed. The police play a crucial role and must act swiftly against violators without succumbing to political pressure, according to Kumar.

Tehsildars and Mandal Parishad Development Officers were advised to participate regularly in village meetings and mandal reviews. Swift action should be taken on complaints received via the 1098 helpline, including during night hours, he added.

Superintendent of Police Tushar Dudi clarified that those involved in child marriages or promoting such practices would face a minimum of two years in prison without the option of bail. Dr. Naga Sashibhushan Reddy, the District Medical and Health Officer, reported that out of the 12,045 pregnant women reported through Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) in the district, 1,283 were teenagers.

However, the actual figure might be higher due to early terminations. He emphasized that the high incidence of teenage pregnancies was particularly prevalent in Mallanuru, Santhipuram, Rallabuduguru, Majinepalli, and Kangundi areas of the Kuppam region.