Yupia, March 31:
The Government of Arunachal Pradesh has issued an official order directing authorities in Papum Pare district to intensify efforts to prevent child marriages ahead of the upcoming festival of Akshaya Tritiya.
The directive, issued by the Office of the Deputy Director, District ICDS Cell, Yupia, follows instructions from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and the state’s Department of Women and Child Development. Authorities have been asked to conduct widespread awareness campaigns across villages, panchayats, urban wards, and district levels.
Akshaya Tritiya, considered an auspicious occasion in the Hindu calendar, has historically seen a higher likelihood of child marriages being conducted. In view of this, religious leaders in the district have been strictly instructed not to solemnize or support any child marriage under any circumstances. They have also been urged to report any such incidents immediately to the nearest police station or the Child Marriage Prohibition Officer (CMPO).
The order assigns specific responsibilities to various departments and stakeholders. Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) and Anganwadi workers will lead grassroots awareness drives. Coordination with religious leaders and service providers involved in marriage functions—such as tent providers, printing presses, and marriage hall operators—will also be undertaken to sensitize them about legal provisions against child marriage.
Education authorities, including the DDSE and DEO, have been directed to prepare lists of school dropouts or children absent without proper notice, as they are considered vulnerable to early marriage. Additionally, officials are tasked with identifying at-risk children and ensuring continuous monitoring, counseling, and family engagement to prevent such cases.
All stakeholders have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with the order and take proactive measures. An Action Taken Report must be submitted by April 7, 2026.
The order was issued under the authority of Deputy Commissioner Vishakha Yadav, IAS, as part of a coordinated effort to safeguard children’s rights and curb illegal child marriages in the district.
