PNS | DEHRADUN
The State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) organised a programme at its premises under the ‘Child Marriage Free India’ campaign, taking a pledge on Wednesday.
Stating this, SCPCR chairperson Geeta Khanna said that this initiative had been taken in support of the Centre’s call for a ‘Child Marriage -Free India’ which was inaugurated by the Union Minister for Women Empowerment and Child Development (WECD), Annapurna Devi.
Speaking of this nationwide campaign and its impact, Khanna said that it demonstrates the Central government’s awareness of the seriousness of this social evil. “The Prime Minister has called for a child marriage-free India. Currently, over 23 per cent of girls in the country are forced into under-age marriage. This amounts to blatant violation of their rights to choose a life partner. Besides, it thwarts their educational aspirations, health, employment and economic independence,” she said.
She added that the government plans to involve all stakeholders in this campaign and as a partner organisation of ‘Just Rights for Children,’ they fully support it. “Given our experiences in having worked against child marriage practice for years, we may affirm that this battle cannot be won without coordinated efforts and support of all. The combined efforts of the government and civil society can help India achieve the goal of ending child marriage by 2030,” she said.
Further, the Uttarakhand State Commission for Women (USCW) organised a pledge campaign on Wednesday to promote a child marriage-free India. During the programme, USCW chairperson Kusum Kandwal exhorted everyone to come forward to eliminate the child marriage challenge.
