The Business Bytes
Bhubaneswar, November 29, 2024 (TBB Bureau): In a bold step towards eradicating child marriage, Kandhamal district aligned itself with the Government of India’s nationwide campaign, ‘Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat’ (Child Marriage Free India), which was recently launched at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Spearheaded by the Humara Bachpan Trust (HBT), the district has rolled out a series of impactful initiatives to raise awareness and foster community action against this pressing issue.
The centerpiece of Kandhamal’s participation was a district-level event held at the SP Conference Hall, inaugurated by Additional SP Balabhadra Dip. The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including the DSP, members of the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO), Child Development Project Officer (CDPO), Child Marriage Coordinator from ActionAid, ITI Principal, Divisional Labour Commissioner, Women Support Centre (WSC) Coordinator, Employment Officer, and others. Over 50 participants, representing organizations like Odisha Support Centre, Child Helpline, Swadhar Gruha, and Child Care Institutes (CCI), actively engaged in discussions and pledged their support to the cause.
During the session, speakers highlighted the detrimental effects of child marriage on education, health, and overall societal development. The event underscored the importance of collaboration between government departments, civil society organizations, and local communities to eliminate child marriage from the region.
Following the district-level program, HBT extended its outreach through village-level campaigns in 50 villages across five Panchayats: Raikia, Mandakia, Gochhapada, Phiringia, and Kainjhar. Candlelight rallies featuring SHG members, CBO representatives, PRI members, religious leaders, and parents created a powerful visual impact and strengthened community resolve. These initiatives have not only raised awareness but also mobilized local stakeholders to take proactive steps in protecting children’s rights.
The campaign reflects Kandhamal’s commitment to addressing child marriage through a blend of awareness, grassroots action, and institutional support. As these efforts gain momentum, Kandhamal is setting a strong example for other districts, contributing to the national vision of a child-marriage-free future.
With unwavering determination and collective action, Kandhamal inches closer to its goal of becoming a beacon of hope in the journey toward a ‘Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat’.
