Berhampur: Ganjam Collector Vijay Amruta Kulange has announced a cash reward of Rs 5000 to any person who provides tip-off about child marriage in the district.
Kulange made it clear while chairing a meeting of the district level task force committee of ‘Nirbhaya Kadhi’, an initiative undertaken by the district administration to create awareness against child marriage.
The Nirbhaya Kadhi programme aims to empower young girls through awareness programmes at grassroots through schools. Teachers will inform students about the programme after school prayer.
Messages against child marriage along with grievance number 9437563800 and Childline number 1098 will be written on the boundary walls of all schools in the district. Kulange has also advised creating awareness against child marriage through street plays.
The district administration in collaboration with Child Line, Police and various social organization have foiled as many as eight cases in last three months and total 38 cases from January 2019 till date.
Kulange said that those who come forward to inform about any child marriage in the district will be rewarded and their identity will not be disclosed for their safety. A massive awareness campaign in this regard will be conducted by the year-end.
The Collector further stressed that family members or Anganwadi workers have to produce Aadhaar Card, Matric Certificate or Birth Certificate of the bride and groom as age proof during any marriage in the district.