Odisha’s Kendrapara district is battling a spike in child marriages within Bengali-majority villages of Talchua area, prompting authorities to issue high alerts and roll out community pledges against the menace. A recent investigative report shed light on the trend in Rajnagar block’s marine police jurisdiction, where families willingly arrange underage weddings.
Acting decisively, officials from the women and child development department visited Kerupal and Rangani villages for intensive awareness sessions. Adolescents and their families were central to these efforts, learning about the grave consequences of early marriages.
Minati Mishra, the Rajnagar Child Development Supervisor, recounted the sequence of events. Informed of the rising cases, she promptly liaised with Talchua Marine Police Station in-charge, joined a police team for on-ground probes, and escalated findings to higher-ups.
Under directives, the workshops emphasized legal repercussions under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, alongside societal fallout like domestic violence, health complications, and lost opportunities. Participants, including local leaders and caregivers, vowed publicly never to engage in or support such practices.
This initiative marks a critical step in a region where cultural traditions clash with modern laws. With Odisha reporting fewer overall child marriages, these localized surges highlight the need for sustained education and enforcement. Officials plan follow-up visits to reinforce the message and track progress.