Edu dept launches drive against child marriages ahead of Akshaya Tritiya

Jaipur: Rajasthan education department has instructed all joint directors to draft an action plan to curb child marriages during upcoming auspicious occasions like Akshaya Tritiya. The directive emphasises coordination with district collectors to raise awareness in govt and private schools about the dangers of child marriage and relevant legal provisions.
An official order issued by director of secondary education Ashish Modi on March 25 highlighted the widespread prevalence of child marriages, especially in rural areas. There are possibilities of child marriages in other festivals too, especially in rural areas. To stop child marriage, it is necessary to bring positive change in the mentality and thinking of society. In this context, it is necessary to work by making an action plan to awaken public participation and consciousness for the prevention of child marriage."
Earlier this month, additional chief secretary (Home) Anand Kumar urged district collectors to collaborate with elected representatives, govt officials, village panchayats, and anganwadi workers to prevent child marriages at an early stage.
The action plan mandates the activation of core groups comprising women's organisations, health workers, Mahila Suraksha Sakhis, and Saathin Sahayogis at district and block levels. "We must involve key stakeholders—those traditionally facilitating weddings—like confectioners, band players, priests, tent owners, and transporters. Their pledge to refrain from supporting child marriages is essential," the order stated.
Officials have also been directed to hold meetings with adolescent girls, self-help groups, and other stakeholders to encourage reporting of child marriages. Additionally, wedding card printers must ensure proof of age for the bride and groom or include their birth dates on invitations to prevent underage marriages.