KOZHIKODE: Malappuram has come up with a vacation specific campaign to rein in child marriages, mostly occurring in summer.
Adoloscent girls lose contacts with teachers and counsellors during the vacation, and gullible parents marry them off. Malappuram tops in child marriages in the state, and there were a staggering 181 complaints in 2017.
As per the campaign Nadakilloru Balyavivahavum Ini Madhyavenalavadiku, child protection volunteer groups were formed in 15 blocks and 12 municipalities.
“We have a strong network of 119 trained volunteers having good grassroots connections," said says Fasal Pullat, child protection officer at district child protection unit (DCPU).
“They comprise trauma care, palliative care workers, ward members, students and housewives. Besides, 29 child marriage prohibition officers are available round the clock."
Youth clubs active in Malappuram would also be roped in to tip them off about child marriages.
The district women and child development (WCD) office has produced '18', a documentary and 'Aval Parannuyaratte', a street play to create awareness.
According to district child protection officer (DCPO) Geethanjali, ‘marriage brokers’ too find summer vacation a ripe time to push for such clandestine marriages.
“Malappuram has many cases of Plus One girls disappearing due to early marriages. It should be curbed," a top official said. "Mothers are more aware of the impact of child marriages compared to fathers."
To plug the loophole, an awareness-cum-discussion is being planned at public spots at 7 pm targeting men. Block-wise, Kalikavu, Nilambur and Wandoor
are infamous for child marriages.
