Asif Iqbal Naik
Kishtwar, Jan 09: Under the guidance and directions of the District Child Protection Officer Kishtwar, Sh. Tariq Parvaiz Qazi (JKAS), an awareness programme under the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat campaign was organised at Shri Gori Shankar Temple Sarkoot Kishtwar in presence of the Priest Vinay Sharma with an aim to sensitise religious leaders and communities about the prevention of child marriage.
The programme was conducted by the District Child Protection Unit in coordination with allied stakeholders including One Stop Centre and Child Help Line, focusing on the legal, social and health consequences of child marriage.
Religious leaders, local residents of Sarkoot teachers and students participated actively in the awareness sessions.
While adressing the gathering, Touseef Iqbal Butt Protection Officer-NIC,highlighted that religious institutions play a crucial role in shaping social values and can act as effective platforms to discourage Bal Vivah and promote children’s rights.
He also informed about the provisions of law, the importance of education for children and the mediums to report child related cases to district offices like Child helpline number 1098.
During the programme, the religious leaders and community members appreciated the event and assured their full cooperation in spreading the message against child marriage through sermons, teachings and community interactions.
In the end , Meenakshi Sharma (Social Worker) administered the pledge, wherein participants resolved to oppose Bal Vivah in all forms and to work collectively for the protection of children’s rights.
Those were present including Vikey Sharma (Project Coordinator CHL), Kajal Parihar (Case Worker OSC), Swati Sharma (Counsellor CHL), Vibah Sharma, Sheetal Rana and Aqib Qazi (ORWs DCPU), Shashi Kumar (MPS OSC).
