Statewide Campaign Against Child Marriage, Life Risks: Seethakka
Seethakka stated that child marriage is not just a family issue, but a social problem that affects girls' futures
Hyderabad: To curb child marriages and minor pregnancies in the state, the Telangana Women and Child Welfare department has taken a key step. In this direction, the department has entered into an awareness agreement with the Taruni voluntary organization, which has been working for two decades on issues such as girl child empowerment, prevention of child marriages, and prevention of human trafficking here on Monday.
Signatures were exchanged on the agreement documents in the presence of Telangana Women and Child Welfare Minister D Seethakka at the Secretariat here.
Speaking on this occasion, Seethakka stated that child marriage is not just a family issue, but a social problem that affects girls' futures. She said that due to child marriages, girls' education stops midway, health problems arise, and economic independence is impacted, leading to numerous adverse effects.
She informed that awareness programs are being conducted statewide under the slogan "Child Marriage - Life Trap." She emphasized that this campaign should be further expanded with social media as the center.
The government is already implementing several programs to prevent child marriages and minor pregnancies in Telangana, and now, with the support of experienced organizations like Tarunai, these efforts will be taken to a much broader level, she said.
She stated that awareness programs will be conducted from the village level to the state level to educate girls about their rights, health, education, and safety.
Through this agreement, the minister revealed that special training will be provided to Anganwadi staff, supervisors, CDPOs, and field-level staff from other departments. She also informed that extensive campaigns will be conducted through social media and digital promotion programs on the ill effects of child marriages and the dangers of minor pregnancies.
The Minister, who emphasized that the government is giving utmost priority to girls' education, health, and empowerment, called upon everyone: "It is our collective responsibility to create an environment where every girl can realize her dreams. The government, voluntary organizations, and society must work together to completely end child marriages."
Taruni voluntary organization founder Mamata Raghuvieer, speaking on the occasion, said that in collaboration with the state government, they will provide technical support, awareness programs, and training to reduce child marriages and minor pregnancies.
