IT News
Imphal, Feb 27:
The Department of Social Welfare, Government of Manipur, organized an Orientation-cum-Sensitization Programme for Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) at Sangai Hall, Hotel Imphal, North AOC, Imphal East.
Ngangom Uttam Singh, Director, Department of Social Welfare and Information & Public Relations, stated that earlier, only 16 CMPOs were designated across districts. Under the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Campaign, the number of appointments has expanded, with ADMs, BDOs, Panchayat Secretaries, and urban local body officers now serving as CMPOs. Despite these new appointments, he urged existing CMPOs to remain diligent in their duties and stressed the importance of the Child Protection Unit (CPU) in assisting local administrations.
He noted that child marriage cases are higher in valley areas than in hilly regions, though the disparity may be due to underreporting. In valley areas, BDOs and Panchayat Secretaries serve as CMPOs, while in hilly areas, only BDOs hold the role. To address this gap, college teachers and school headmasters can also be appointed as CMPOs, and expanding such appointments at the colony and village levels would enhance child marriage reporting. He urged everyone to submit written requests for stronger child marriage prevention measures where needed.
Ngangom Uttam Singh noted that in cases involving children and women, customary laws are often used for resolution. However, such practices can have long-term psychological effects on victims. He pointed out that preventing child marriage remains a significant challenge due to the need for substantial evidence and the lengthy legal process. While awareness programs are needed, lack of funding remains a challenge, he said and encouraged integrating child marriage awareness into existing community programs.
The programme included technical sessions covering key legal aspects of child marriage prevention. Kh. Premjit Singh, Legal cum Probation Officer, Chandel, discussed the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), while Reena Chanu Moirangthem, Legal cum Probation Officer, Imphal East, shared experiences in handling child marriage cases. Thiyam Rajkishore Singh, former Chairperson of Child Welfare Committee, Imphal West, explained the POCSO Act, 2012, stressing the importance of legal enforcement.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mala Lisham, Programme Officer, SCPS. Officials from various districts actively participated the event, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening child marriage prevention efforts across Manipur.
