100-day campaign launched against child marriages in Khammam

A 100-day campaign against child marriages was launched in Khammam by the Action for Integrated Development (AID) organisation and the District Women and Child Welfare Department, coinciding with the National Day against Child Marriages.

Khammam: District Child Welfare Committee chairperson Guntupalli Bharat Rani has called on all stakeholders to ensure that not a single child marriage takes place in Khammam district in the days to come.

A 100-day campaign to prevent child marriages was launched by Action for Integrated Development (AID) organisation and the District Women and Child Welfare Department at Girls’ Junior College here on Thursday marking the National Day against Child Marriages.

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Speaking on the occasion, Bharat Rani said that the elimination of child marriage was a matter of public participation, so if the people, youth, adolescents and officials make a coordinated effort, child marriages could be completely eliminated in Khammam district by 2030.

District Welfare Officer Velpula Vijetha said that the eradication of child marriage was everyone’s responsibility and the department was conducting awareness programmes on the education, health and employment opportunities of girls. Children should call the Child Helpline 1098 to resolve their problems.

District Education Officer Chaitanya Jaini said that girls should not be worried about the changes that occur when they reach puberty and should seek help from Anganwadi, ASHA workers and health centres. Girls should take nutritious food for good health and avoid anemia.

AID Director Vani Hari Prasad Rao said that for the last three years, the organisation has been organising field-level programmes on the eradication of child marriages, sexual assault on children, child labour and child trafficking in the district. AID aims at making the country child marriage-free by 2030 and trying to declare Khammam child-marriage district before the deadline, she said.

The winners of the district level essay writing competitions organised under the aegis of District Intermediate Education Officer Ravi Babu were given prizes, mementos and certificates. Later, a pledge was administered against child marriages.

AID district coordinator K Srinivas, She-Team Inspector Srinivas, cyber cell in-charge Prasad, the college Principal Anil Kumar, Dr. Bindu Sri, Women Hub in-charge Samirin and others were present.