Jharsuguda – An awareness program against child marriage was organized by Laikera Police at the Kirtan Mandap of Khuntamala Panchayat in Laikera. The program was presided over by IIC Dilip Behera.
Additional Superintendent of Police Madhusikta Mishra attended the program as chief guest and explained the consequences of child marriage and the legal punishments related to it.
Local Sarpanch Sabyasachi Sahu, media representative Bharat Patra, journalist Gandhiram Behera, social activist Rasabati Kisan, and CHO Sila Barla were also present. Awareness was raised that girls should not be married before 18 and boys before 21 years of age.
It was stressed that if child marriage is conducted, then as per the law, the parents of the girl or boy, the priest who performs the marriage, and any intermediaries will all be legally punishable. A pledge was taken to make the region free from child marriage.
IIC Mr. Behera stated that this awareness campaign will be carried out in all villages of the remaining panchayats in a phased manner. Over a hundred women along with Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, MBKs, and CRPs participated in the program.
The event was moderated by media representative Bharat Patra, and Sarpanch Mr. Sahu offered a vote of thanks.