Jharigaon (Nabarangpur district): The tribal-dominated Jharigaon block in Nabarangpur district continues to witness child marriage due to a lack of awareness. Despite ongoing efforts by the administration to curb this practice, more widespread awareness campaigns are needed, especially in remote areas.
Today, a child marriage was about to take place between a minor girl from Podalaganda village under Badatemera Panchayat and a minor boy from Bhimatikira village under Bhimaguda Panchayat. However, upon receiving information from a reliable source, Jharigaon CDPO (Child Development Project Officer) Biraj Mohini Pangi rushed to the spot along with the local sarpanch, ward members, and police officials. They successfully convinced both families to stop the marriage.
Both families agreed to conduct the marriage only after the children reach the legal age. The intervention was supported by supervisor Tuni Dei, local Anganwadi workers, ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activists) workers, and villagers, all of whom were present during the event.