MSLSA Member Secretary Graces Sensitisation Programme On Pcma 2006

Aizawl : Pu Vincent Lalrokima, Mizoram State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA) Member Secretary graced the inaugural session of the ‘Sensitization Programme on the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 (PCMA) for Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs)’ organised under Mission Shakti by State Hub for Empowerment of Women (SHEW), Directorate of Women & Child Development (WCD) as the Chief Guest today at I&PR Conference Hall, Lianchhiari Run. The programme was conducted for Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) under WCD Dept, across the state to strengthen their understanding of the law and their roles in preventing child marriage.

In his inaugural address, MSLSA Member Secretary Pu Vincent Lalrokima urged the attendees to coordinate with District Legal Services Authority (DSLA) and utilise central schemes to eradicate social evil in the form of child marriage. He also briefed the gathering about the ASHA (Awareness, Support, Help and Action) SOP – Towards Eliminating Child Marriage, 2025 released by National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), which can be used in convergence with ongoing schemes. Pu Vincent Lalrokima reiterated that the efforts of the CMPOs in implementing the PCMA 2006 will not only result in eradicating child marriage, but also simultaneously eliminate its associated fallouts. He encouraged all stakeholders to work together towards a child marriage-free Mizoram and wished the attendees a fruitful session. 

The programme was chaired by Pi Zoramthangi Chhangte, Director, Women & Child Development, who in her opening remarks emphasized the importance of proactive enforcement, timely reporting, and multi-sectoral coordination in addressing child marriage, which remains a serious violation of child rights.

The inaugural session was followed by technical sessions. Pi Priscilla Lallawmsangi, Legal Officer, MSCPCR, delivered a session on the key legal provisions of the PCMA, including definitions, penalties, and the duties of CMPOS, supplemented with NFHS data on child marriage trends in Mizoram. Dr. S. Thaizi, State Programme Officer (RCH), NHM, spoke on the physical and mental health consequences of early marriage, underlining the long-term impact on girls health and well-being. Pi PC Liansiampuii, Addl. Superintendent of Police, CID (Crime), provided an in-depth presentation on the rescue process, FIR registration, court procedures, and coordination with Child Welfare Committees and District Magistrates. Pi Zoramthangi Chhangte, Director, WCD, led an engaging session on convergence and coordination, emphasizing collaboration with schools, VC/Panchayats, frontline workers, NGOs, and DCPUs. Pi Sailopari, SNO (PCMA) & Deputy Director (ICDS), gave a detailed overview of the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Portal, including its implementation status in Mizoram. This was followed by an open discussion and feedback session, after which Pi Zonunpari Sailo, WCD Joint Director ended the session with closing remarks.

Women and Child Development Department has been implementing the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat-Child Marriage Free India Campaign initiated by the Centre since November 27, 2024 through awareness programmes, talk shows, hoardings and posters in every district to prevent marriages of girls below the age of 18 years and boys below the age of 21 years.

Child marriage remains prevalent in many states of India, while in Mizoram, parents/relatives conduct the local custom of handing over the bride price not out of force but rather to resolve premarital pregnancies, elopement and other acts associated with relationships. It was highlighted at the programme that although this is not socially regarded as an evil, it ruins the child’s future and is legally prohibited, and therefore, caution must be exercised.

The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 prescribes two years of rigorous imprisonment and fine up to 1 lakh rupees for officiants, witnesses and accomplices in child marriage. The same goes for adult men who marry girls below the age of 18 years.

The programme also highlighted that child marriages affect the education, health, career, and mental health of the victims, and destroy their future, and therefore, parents, relatives, and society bear the responsibility to prevent such marriages.

The Child Helpline Tollfree Number 1098 or Women Helpline Tollfree Number 181 or the Child Marriage Prohibition Officer at every WCD office at the District & Block levels, the Village Council Secretary or Community Watch Groups can be informed if such acts are witnessed.

Since enactment of PCMA, the prevalence of child marriage has reduced by half from 47% in 2006 to 23.3% during 2019-21 (NFHS-5). Relevant tables are provided below.

Health Management Information System: Out of total number of New Pregnant Women registered with age <15 years