Tripura's child rights body intensifies efforts to prevent child marriages
May 16, 2024
Agartala (Tripura) [India], May 16 : Child marriage remains a critical issue in Tripura, with many girls married off before the legal age of 18. To address this, the Tripura Commission for Protection of Child Rights (TCPCR) has stepped up its initiatives, focusing on prevention and intervention.
Sharmila Choudhary, a member of TCPCR, said that the Commission is conducting awareness campaigns to educate communities about the adverse impacts of child marriage. These include interactive sessions, media outreach, and the distribution of informative materials, said S
"The issues of Child Marriage are very alarming in Tripura. Whenever we get information about Child marriage, first, we inform the concerned area DIC and staff of the Child Helpline. Then we inform the concerned SDM and along with our team we reach the location along with the police personnel from the concerned Police Station," Choudhary said.
She said that TCPCR's aim is to save all minor girls and boys from child marriage.
"Whenever we talk with those families, they usually give excuses for financial problems and whenever there is one more boy in the same family, they put the excuse that boys will grow up and bring incomes. So, we make aware such Parents that there are certain laws in the country and it's for the betterment of the children only," she said.
Legal enforcement is also a priority, with strict actions against violators to ensure compliance with the law.
Support systems for at-risk children and families are being enhanced, offering helplines, counselling, and access to education and vocational training. Despite these efforts, greater community participation and awareness are essential.
While progress is being made, eradicating child marriage in Tripura requires sustained efforts and collaboration. The TCPCR remains committed to protecting the rights and futures of young girls in the state, said Choudhary.
