Start Girls’ Panchayats to Prevent Child Marriage – Minister Aditi Tatkare

Mumbai : It has come to light that the incidence of child marriages is higher among migrant laborers and workers. To ensure that the children of laborers and workers can stay in the same area, Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare directed a campaign to raise awareness and provide information regarding children’s homes in the region. She also suggested starting Girls’ Panchayats for spreading awareness.

A review meeting was held at the Ministry regarding measures to prevent child marriages, ensuring benefits for beneficiaries of the child care scheme, widows’ action groups, the Chief Minister’s “My Beloved Sister” scheme assistance desk, and the Children’s Aid Society. Present at the meeting were Commissioner Nayana Gunde, Deputy Commissioner Rahul More, Undersecretaries Bhondwe and Kulkarni, along with other officials.

Legal Action Against Those Attending Child Marriages
Minister Tatkare stated that it is essential to take action toward making the state free from child marriages. She emphasized that a campaign should be launched to raise awareness on this issue and reach as many people as possible. Girls’ Panchayats should be started at the taluka level in secondary schools, where girls of the same age group can express their problems, and efforts will be made to prevent child marriages. Additionally, through these Panchayats, information about schemes for children and girls can be communicated to as many girls as possible. Legal action should also be taken against all those involved in child marriages, including those attending such ceremonies.

Immediate Benefits for 1.1 Lakh Children in State’s Child Care Centers
A total of 1.1 lakh children in 468 child care centers in the state should immediately receive pending benefits under the Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule Child Care Scheme. Minister Tatkare also directed related NGOs to submit reports on home visits for this scheme. There should be follow-up to ensure that women, particularly single and widowed women, receive benefits from schemes that offer economic security. Additionally, schemes for widows, especially those who lost their spouses during the COVID period, should be extended to all widows.

The renovation work at The Children’s Aid Society in Mankhurd and the construction of protective walls should be expedited. The new construction for the disabled children’s home should be built with complete facilities. A help desk should be established to address the issues faced by women beneficiaries of the Chief Minister’s “My Beloved Sister” scheme. Special programs should also be organized to enhance the financial literacy of these women, as per the instructions from Minister Tatkare.