Nabarangpur, Dec, 30: A district-level training camp under the 100-day Child Marriage-Free India Campaign was organized at the Mission Shakti Hall by the Association for Voluntary Action, under the supervision of the District Social Welfare Officer and with the initiative of Child Rights Associate Saurabh Upadhyay. Officials associated with the KMPO and PAV departments participated in the training.
Additional District Magistrate Tapan Kumar Khuntia attended the program as the chief guest and inaugurated it by lighting the ceremonial lamp. District Social Welfare Officer Draupadi Kanhar explained the objectives of the program and highlighted how collective efforts are needed to eradicate child marriage and to make all children aware of their rights. Protection Officer Rama Pattanayak provided detailed information about the 100-day program.
The key trainers included Kam Prasad Pattanayak, Vinay Kumar Pattanayak (Project Coordinator), President Modan Krishni, and Rama Shatanami. As child marriage is prevalent in Nabarangpur district, the main objective of this awareness and training camp was to make sincere efforts to free the district from child marriage. The trainers discussed the causes of child marriage, its prevention, and child protection mechanisms.
Knowledge Stop Centre Officer Kishori Pattanayak attended as a legal expert and explained that anyone involved in child marriage can face imprisonment of up to two years and a fine of up to one lakh rupees. She also shed light on various legal provisions related to child marriage.
Saurabh Upadhyay informed participants that this national campaign is being conducted for 100 days, from 27 November to 8 March. The CDPO of Nabarangpur discussed the framework and action plan to combat child marriage. Chief guest Tapan Kumar Khuntia emphasized that if every citizen of the district fulfills their responsibility and works together, Nabarangpur can be made child marriage-free. He assured that the district administration is always proactive in this effort.
Women Mentor Sasmita Patra presented a PowerPoint presentation on child marriage. Participants included administrators and counselors from Sakhi One Stop Centres, all CMPOs and wardens, PLI members, Anganwadi workers, child protection staff, members of the Child Welfare Committee, teachers from various schools, and CDPOs from Nabarangpur, Kosagumuda, Raighar, Jharigaon, and Chandahandi blocks.
At the end of the program, Women Cell Coordinator Sarita Pani delivered the vote of thanks.