Direct Blow to Child Marriage! Rajasthan Makes Principals, Patwaris and Village Development Officers 'Child Marriage Prohibition Officers', No Waiting for Police
Education department's new order: they will investigate and act in their own areas; teachers' bodies unhappy
The Rajasthan education department has changed the monitoring system to stop child marriage. Secondary Education Director Lalit Kumar has issued new guidelines under which government school principals and headmasters, village development officers and patwaris have been officially made Child Marriage Prohibition Officers. The aim is that action is taken in time once information is received, without waiting for the police to reach every case.
Who is responsible for which area
- Principals/headmasters in rural areas: within the gram panchayat limits of their school.
- Principals/headmasters in urban areas: within their municipal ward.
- Village development officers: across their entire gram panchayat.
- Patwaris: responsible for inquiry within their patwar circle.
Reason behind the order
According to the report, the change follows the Supreme Court's strictness and directions from the national conference of chief secretaries. The order cites provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and divisional joint directors and district education officers have been told to ensure strict compliance.
How to report a child marriage
- By law, the minimum marriage age is 18 for girls and 21 for boys. If you see preparations for a marriage below this age, do not stay silent.
- Inform the school principal, village development officer or patwari of your village or ward, in writing or verbally.
- You can also inform Childline 1098, the nearest police station or the district administration.
- While reporting, clearly share the date, venue and family details of the marriage.
