2nd Review Meeting cum Sensitization Programme on the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 Held

Aizawl : The Directorate of Women & Child Development today organized the 2nd Review Meeting cum Sensitization Programme on the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 (PCMA) at the Secretariat Conference Hall. The programme was chaired by Ms. Lalzarmawii, Commissioner & Secretary, Social Welfare, Tribal Affairs, Women & Child Development Department. Officials from the concerned department, along with representatives from the Police, School Education, Law & Judicial Departments, and the State Legal Services Authority, also participated in the event.

This programme was conducted as part of the follow-up action to the Supreme Court’s order dated 18th October 2024, in connection with Writ Petition (C) No. 1234 of 2017 – Society for Enlightenment and Voluntary Action vs Union of India, to assess and accelerate the state-wise progress on the elimination of child marriage.

In her address, Chairperson Ms. Lalzarmawii expressed her gratitude to the attendees. The sensitization session was facilitated by Ms. Priscilla Lallawmsangi, Legal Officer, Mizoram State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR). Ms. Zoramthangi Chhangte, Director, Women & Child Development, also highlighted key awareness points under the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat campaign.

The programme included a meaningful discussion and emphasized the importance of coordinated action among various departments, community leaders, law enforcement, and educational institutions. Topics covered in the agenda included:

• Organizing training for law enforcement and judicial officers
• Integration of Special Juvenile Police Units (SJPUs)
• Inclusion of PCMA-related topics in school textbooks
• Spreading awareness and offering training sessions for women educators to facilitate understanding and implementation of the Act
• Leadership programmes for adolescent girls
• Mechanisms to identify and support children at risk of early or forced marriage

The programme concluded with a renewed commitment to work collaboratively towards building a child marriage-free society.