District Administration, Mission Shakti, and Sakhi-One Stop Centre, Phek, organized an awareness campaign on the Prevention of Child Marriage in observance of Akshay Tritiya at Phek Town Hall on May 2, 2025.
According to DIPR, the event brought together stakeholders and apex organizations to discuss the pressing issue of child marriage and its impact on society.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rhosietho Nguori, delivering the keynote address, emphasized the urgent need to curb child marriage, citing its adverse effects on mental, physical, and financial well-being.
He discouraged traditional marriage practices that disregarded age considerations and reiterated that laws passed by Parliament now enforce strict consequences for violators. DC also informed attendees that individuals requiring a marriage certificate could obtain it from ADC Phek.
Vethothi Vero, Retainer Lawyer of Phek District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), addressed the gathering on the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, highlighting that the law strictly prohibits the solemnization of child marriage, setting the minimum legal age at 21 for males and 18 for females.
Zhonielu Puro, president of the Chakhesang Mothers’ Association, commended the organizers for initiating the campaign and urged the public to align with the new marriage laws in keeping with societal progress.
The program commenced with an invocation led by Rev. Thepuchiyi Khusoh, pastor of Phek Town Baptist Church, and was chaired by Velenuo K. Thisa, District Mission Coordinator of SANKALP – District Hub for Empowerment of Women, Mission Shakti, Phek.
The campaign served as a crucial platform to raise awareness and reinforce the government’s commitment to eradicating child marriage through legal enforcement and community engagement.