An awareness campaign programme on prevention of child marriage on account of Akshay Tritiya with stakeholders and apex organizations was organised by the district administration and Mission Shakti and Sakhi-One Stop Centre, Phek district on May 2 at Town Hall, Phek.

Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Phek, Rhosietho Nguori said that child marriage needs to be checked and stopped, citing the negative aspects in early marriage such as mental, physical, spiritual problems and financial issues as well. He discouraged practices of the old system of marriage where people got married without regard for his/her ages. Ngouri said that since marriage laws have been passed in Parliament, violators will face consequences as per the law.

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Meanwhile, the DC also informed that marriage certificates can be obtained from the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Phek for those who need it.

Retainer lawyer Phek District Legal Services Authority, Vethothi Vero, who was the resource person for the programme, spoke on the topic “Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006”. He informed that the intention of the Act was to prohibit solemnisation of child marriage. He also highlighted that the qualifying age of marriage for male and female is 21 and 18 years respectively.

Chakhesang Mothers’ Association president, Zhonielu Puro, in her address, expressed appreciation to the district administration for organising the program. She encouraged the people to adhere to the new marriage law in line with the advancing society.

Earlier, Phek Town Baptist Church pastor, Rev. Thepuchiyi Khusoh pronounced the invocation prayer while the programme was chaired by Velenuo K. Thisa, District Mission Coordinator, SANKALP- District Hub for Empowerment of Women, Mission Shakti, Phek.