Nabarangpur: A coordination meeting between the police and child marriage prohibition officers was held today at the District Council Conference Hall under the chairmanship of District Collector Dr. Shubhankar Mohapatra to ensure the complete eradication of child marriage in the district.
Presiding over the meeting, Dr. Mohapatra emphasized that various government departments are working together to protect children and prevent child marriage. Previously, the responsibility of preventing child marriage was solely entrusted to the Women and Child Development Department, but now, this power has been decentralized and extended to the Panchayati Raj Department, Education Department, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Department, and the Police Department.
Panchayat Executive Officers will act as Child Marriage Prohibition Officers at the Panchayat level.
Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) will function as Child Marriage Prohibition Officers at the Block level.
The Police Department has been given greater responsibility under this new legal framework.
The District Collector directed all police officers present to immediately intervene and take necessary action whenever a Child Marriage Prohibition Officer seeks police assistance. The police must respond promptly and reach the location to prevent child marriages effectively.