GARHWA: In a determined effort to free the district from the social evil of child marriage, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Garhwa, has rolled out a major initiative under the ASHA (Awareness, Support, Help and Action) scheme. On Thursday, Principal District and Sessions Judge-cum-Chairman of DLSA, Manoj Prasad, flagged off an awareness vehicle from the Civil Court premises. This campaign, already underway, will culminate on March 8, International Women’s Day.
The initiative forms a key component of the 100-day action plan set by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). Its primary goal is to spread awareness against child marriage at the grassroots level, ensuring that communities understand both the legal consequences and health risks associated with the practice.
In light of the directions issued by the authority, this campaign is being carried out with great vigor. Key highlights of the program include: Immediate activation of awareness, reporting, and preventive intervention mechanisms, Special focus on areas (hotspots) where the likelihood of child marriage is higher.
The campaign’s purpose is to protect children’s rights and educate society to eradicate this practice from its roots, The special campaign will conclude on International Women’s Day, when the district’s progress report will be compiled and sent at the national level.
Based on instructions received from JHALSA Ranchi, this campaign has been categorized as “most urgent.” The Principal District Judge directed officials to work in coordination so that no child falls victim to this malpractice.
On this occasion, Principal Judge of the Family Court Mr. Manoj Chandra Jha, District Judge First Mr. Dinesh Kumar, and other judicial officers, staff of the District Legal Services Authority, panel advocates, and PLVs (Para Legal Volunteers) were present. They all took an oath to make society free from child marriage.