Imphal, Manipur – A pressing call to action has been issued by Ngangom Uttam Singh, Director of Manipur’s Social Welfare Department, urging a significant acceleration in public awareness campaigns concerning the detrimental long-term effects of child marriage. This directive comes amidst growing concerns over the escalating prevalence of this issue within the state.
The Director’s concerns were voiced during a crucial one-day orientation and sensitization programme held at Hotel Imphal on February 27, specifically designed for Child Marriage Prohibition Officers across Manipur. The event, organized by the Department of Social Welfare, aimed to bolster efforts in combating this social malady.
In his opening address, Singh highlighted a stark disparity in reported child marriage cases, noting a higher incidence within the valley regions compared to the hill areas. He emphasized the crucial need to discern whether this discrepancy reflects actual occurrences or simply a disparity in reporting mechanisms.
Singh further elaborated on the distribution of Child Marriage Prohibition Officers, acknowledging a greater concentration in the valley regions. This, he suggested, likely contributes to the higher reporting rates observed in these areas. While the department has advocated for an increase in officers within the hill regions, he also encouraged local communities to actively seek the appointment of additional officers where deemed necessary.
A central theme of Singh’s address was the imperative to amplify awareness initiatives. He pointed to data indicating Thoubal and Bishnupur districts as hotspots for child marriage, underscoring the necessity for widespread educational programs. He noted the absence of dedicated programs solely focused on child marriage, urging staff and officials to integrate this critical issue into all existing women and children-related initiatives.
The orientation programme served as a platform for participants to propose strategic solutions, including the integration of child marriage awareness into the school curriculum. Resource persons at the event delivered comprehensive sessions on the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, shared experiences from real-world child marriage cases, and provided in-depth analysis of the POCSO Act of 2012. The collective discussions underscored the urgent need for a multi-faceted approach to eradicate child marriage, emphasizing both education and stringent legal enforcement.