Alwar: The Women and Child Development Department has stepped up its campaign to eliminate child marriage in Alwar, holding an awareness session at Anandam Ashram in Vijay Mandir. The initiative forms part of the ongoing “Child Marriage Free Campaign,” aimed at strengthening community vigilance and legal awareness across the district.
The workshop was conducted by the Women Safety Advice Centre located in Moti Doongri, where Counsellor Coordinator Daya Garg addressed participants on legal frameworks, safety protocols, and the role of families and society in preventing early marriages.
Garg highlighted strict enforcement measures under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, stressing that child marriage is not only illegal but causes long term harm to children — particularly girls — by depriving them of education, job opportunities and emotional well being. She urged attendees to view the prevention of such marriages as a shared responsibility rather than a task left to authorities alone.
During the interactive session, women and staff members were encouraged to recognise early warning signs of vulnerable cases and take proactive steps to intervene. They were informed that immediate reporting of suspected incidents can save children from lifelong consequences associated with forced, underage unions.
All participants pledged that they would neither support nor participate in any form of child marriage and would actively inform law enforcement or concerned officials when they come across any such occurrence in their communities.
To ensure timely assistance, representatives shared dedicated helpline numbers where complaints can be registered quickly and anonymously:
- 1098 – Child Helpline
- 1090 – Women Safety Helpline
- 112 – Emergency Response Support System
- 181 – Women Helpline
Legal aid advocate Phoolwati, along with social workers Khushboo, Sapna, Neeta, and other local representatives, joined the event to assist with legal guidance and counselling support. Officials stressed that stronger collaboration between government systems and community groups is essential to bring about lasting social reform.
Child marriage remains a major challenge in several regions, and the department is working to ramp up outreach efforts through counselling programmes, school campaigns, village level workshops and coordination with law enforcement agencies.
Authorities noted that awareness and swift action are the most effective tools to prevent violations, especially in rural and semi urban pockets where harmful social customs may continue due to lack of information or fear of reporting. They also reiterated that protection of children’s rights remains a top priority, and preventive interventions must reach families before illegal ceremonies take place.
The Women and Child Development Department will continue its series of district wide awareness programmes, aiming to ensure that every child receives adequate education and care, free from exploitation and forced marriages.
