Engagement of minor girl prevented in Asifabad

District Child Protection Officer Burla Mahesh, said they could avert the engagement of a minor girl with a boy from Dabba village in Chintalamanepalli mandal by providing counselling to parents of the bride and groom

Kumram Bheem Asifabad: Officials of the Child Protection department in association with police and the women development and child welfare department stopped the engagement of a minor girl by counselling her parents at Vankulam village in Rebbena mandal on Monday.

District Child Protection Officer Burla Mahesh, in a statement, said they could avert the engagement of a minor girl with a boy from Dabba village in Chintalamanepalli mandal by providing counselling to parents of the bride and groom, following a tip-off. He stated that they explained legal and health consequences of the child marriage to the parents who agreed to cancel the engagement.

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The officials narrated health problems caused by the child marriage. They told the parents that the groom would get 2 years of jail and a fine of Rs 1 lakh if he marries a minor girl as per the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. They advised the parents to solemnize the wedding if the girl was ready after her attaining the age of 18.

Child Line coordinator B Praveen Kumar, counselor Ravali, constable Mallishwari, Anganwadi teacher Latha took part in the operation.