Nellore Authorities Intensify Drive to Tackle Teenage Pregnancies
District Child Protection officer B. Suresh highlighted the dangers of child marriages and explained the provisions of the Child Marriage Act.
Nellore: With child marriages and teenage pregnancies continuing to pose serious social and health challenges, the Women and Child Welfare department in Nellore has stepped up efforts to create awareness about the issue at the grassroots level in the district.
A special training programme has been organised in this regard for Anganwadi and ASHA workers, Self-Help Group (SHG) members and supervisors at the Nellore RDO Office on Wednesday.
Addressing the participants, Nellore RDO S. Anusha stressed the need for extensive awareness campaigns to prevent teenage pregnancies and protect adolescent girls, particularly those living in villages, towns, and urban slums. She called upon frontline workers to educate parents, adolescents, and communities about the health risks, educational setbacks, and social consequences associated with teenage pregnancies.
“Awareness is the most effective tool to prevent teenage pregnancies. Community participation is crucial. Local public representatives and social leaders should also be involved in spreading the message,” she underlined.
District Child Protection officer B. Suresh highlighted the dangers of child marriages and explained the provisions of the Child Marriage Act. He urged participants to promote awareness about Childline 1098, the emergency helpline for children in distress, which provides immediate assistance to those in need.
Sub-inspector Anil Reddy briefed the gathering on Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and other legal safeguards available for children.
Deputy Mandal Parishad development officer Padmaja outlined preventive measures that can help reduce teenage pregnancies and improve adolescent health outcomes.
Others who participated in the programme included deputy tahsildar Venkatalakshmi, Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) assistant sub-inspector Srihari, Integrated Child Development Services’ officials, Integrated Child Protection Scheme staff, Child Development Project officers, supervisors, Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, and SHG members.
The initiative forms part of the district administration's broader effort to safeguard the rights, health, and future of adolescent girls through awareness, education, and coordinated community action.