Kishtwar, Jan 3 (JKNS): On the directions of District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) Kishtwar, Shri Tariq Parveaz Qazi (JKAS), an awareness programme on Child Marriage Mukht Bharat and other child and women welfare schemes was organised at the Child Development Project Office (CDPO), Drabshalla.
Protection Officer (Institutional Care) DCPU, Deepika Bhandari informed that “our aim is to sensitise the community againt the Child Marriage and role of community in eradication of this evil”, she said.
Anwar-ul-Haq Kichloo (SANKALP:Hub for Empowerment of Women) informed that the programme was conducted to sensitise officials, parents and community members about the harmful effects of child marriage and to spread awareness regarding various government schemes including Beti Bacho Beti Padhao,Old Age Pension, Ladli Beti, Marriage Assistance Scheme,Sponsership for below 18 child.
Speakers highlighted the legal provisions against child marriage and stressed the importance of education, health and safety of children.
Diksha Badyal (Supervisor CHL) urged the participants to remain vigilant and to immediately report any cases of child marriage to the concerned authorities or Child Helpline (1098).
The programme witnessed active participation from ICDS staff, field functionaries and local stakeholders, reaffirming their commitment to creating a child marriage-free society.
In the end, Meenakshi Sharma, Social Worker, DCPU, administered a pledge against child marriage, urging participants to collectively work towards preventing this social evil and to ensure a safe and secure future for children.
Those who spoke or participated were including Touseef Iqbal Butt (PO NIC),Heena Jan (Gender Specialist), Neha Thakur (Social Worker), Mehak Sharma (Case worker CHL), Aaqib Qazi (ORW). (JKNS)

