Dawki, February 27: A three-day awareness campaign on the prevention of child marriage under the 100 Days District-Wise Action Plan successfully concluded today at Dawki under Amlarem Sub-Division. The programme was conducted in alignment with the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) ASHA SOP and the nationwide Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Campaign.
 |
| Officials and community members participate in the child marriage awareness drive and health check-up camp held at Dawki under Amlarem Sub-Division. (Image: DIPR Meghalaya) |
The awareness drive was organised at Amlarem Market (Monday), Muktapur Market (Wednesday), and Dawki (Friday), aiming to strengthen legal awareness and promote community participation in eliminating child marriage.
Officials from the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Police Department, District Administration, District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Child Helpline Services (1098), and One Stop Centre addressed the gatherings. The legal provisions of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act were explained, reiterating that the legal age of marriage is 18 years for girls and 21 years for boys.
A street play performed by the NSS Unit of Kiang Nangbah Government College highlighted the harmful social and health consequences of child marriage, drawing attention from market-goers and local residents.
ALSO READ: CM Conrad Sangma Flags Off ‘Ka Bos Jong Ngi’ to Boost Public Transport Share
Simultaneously, the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) Mobile Health Team conducted a free health check-up camp at Dawki Bakur for children aged 0–18 years under the theme “Assess. Nurture. Grow.” The initiative focuses on early detection of birth defects, growth delays, learning disorders, nutritional deficiencies, and childhood diseases.
The campaign witnessed active participation from community leaders, self-help groups, youth, and members of the public, reaffirming a collective commitment to safeguarding children’s rights and working towards a child marriage-free society.
