Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Despite widespread awareness campaigns, child marriage practices persist in some rural communities. A recent case from Banedia village near Depalpur highlighted this ongoing issue when parents planned to marry off their minor daughter alongside her elder sister.
Acting on a tip-off, project officer Anita Joshi immediately directed supervisor Chanchal Chaudhary and workers Bela Panwar, Alpana Mathur, Indu Jain, Rajshri Dhakad and helper Priyanka Solanki to intervene.
Initially resistant and threatening, the family finally relented after being counselled by the local MLA representative. They presented an affidavit pledging not to conduct the underage marriage.
Joshi informed officials that preparations for the marriage had already begun, prompting a swift response. Flying squad in-charge Mahendra Pathak notified Depalpur tehsildar Lokesh Ahuja, who coordinated with the police.
It was revealed that the girl was set to marry a boy from Bijjukhedi village in Sanwer. Pathak and his team also reached the groom’s residence and persuaded them to cancel the wedding. Authorities warned that any attempt to proceed would lead to legal action under the Child Marriage Prohibition Act.
Meanwhile, another tip from Jamnia Khurd led officials to investigate a wedding allegedly involving a 14-year-old. However, after reviewing birth certificates, the girl was confirmed to be over 18.
District programme officer RN Budholia emphasised that all service providers, including caterers and decorators, must verify the age of the bride and groom before participating, or face action under the same law.
