WOMEN of village Jaraud (Umariya) under Arang Janpad Panchayat came together to raise a strong and united voice against the social evil of child marriage. During a special panchayat-level awareness program, hundreds of women took a collective pledge to work towards a child marriage-free India, sending a powerful message of social reform from the grassroots. The women resolved that they would actively prevent child marriage not only within their own families but also across the entire village and nearby areas. 

 

The slogans raised during the pledge reflected growing awareness and determination among rural women regarding the rights, safety and future of their daughters. Speakers highlighted that child marriage is not only a punishable legal offense but also deeply harmful to the health, education and overall development of girls. Early marriage increases the risk of maternal health complications, malnutrition and school dropouts, the impact of which affects future generations as well.

 

The women pledged that if they come across any information related to child marriage in their surroundings, they will immediately inform the administration and make every possible effort to stop it. The programme emphasised the importance of prioritising education and skill development for girls over early marriage. Awareness was also raised about the dangers of early motherhood, the long-term effects of malnutrition, and the legal provisions and punishment clauses under the Child Marriage Prohibition Act. Anganwadi workers Toran Dhruv and Poornima Dahariya, along with assistants Kalyani Dhruv and Tarani Dhruv, were present.