Prayatn Sanstha, in collaboration with British Asian Trust under the Child Marriage Free Rajasthan campaign organized a district-wide Gram Sabha initiative with Government departments, on 2nd October 2025 in Dholpur, Rajasthan. The campaign aimed to strengthen community ownership in ending child marriage by spreading awareness on the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, which clearly states that marriage of girls below 18 years and boys below 21 years is illegal, punishable by imprisonment and fine.
The program began with awareness sessions and pledge ceremonies at multiple levels from village Panchayats to block and district platforms. Gram Sabhas were organized in eight Gram Panchayats, the Panchayat Samiti of Basedi, and at the District Police Line, Dholpur, creating a district-wide momentum. Through posters, IEC materials, and direct community interaction, participants learned about the harmful impacts of child marriage and the importance of safeguarding children’s rights.
The district-level event was held at the Police Line, chaired by Shri Laxman Singh Kano, Superintendent of Police, Dholpur, with active participation of Police Child Welfare Officers, representatives from Prayatn Sanstha, and senior district officials. Together, they emphasized strict enforcement of the law, community vigilance, and reporting mechanisms to stop child marriages at the source.
Across all locations, 748 people participated in the campaign including 155 children, 290 teachers, 42 Anganwadi workers, 45 PRI members, and over 200 community representatives. Gram Sabha members, Sarpanches, Panchayat Secretaries, frontline workers, school staff, and villagers all joined the pledge.
During the pledge ceremonies, officials, staff, and children collectively vowed not to marry before the legal age 18 years for girls and 21 years for boys. They pledged not to participate in or support any form of child marriage and to inform the concerned authorities if any such marriage is planned or reported. Together, they also committed to working collectively towards making every Panchayat free from child marriage.
The event’s strength lay in the convergence of multiple stakeholders’ government institutions, local self-governance bodies, law enforcement, education and child development departments, and the community itself. By engaging faith leaders, teachers, parents, and children, the campaign created a shared sense of accountability.
The day concluded with a resounding message: Dholpur will become a Child Marriage Free District, contributing to the larger vision of Child Marriage Free Rajasthan. The pledges made during the Gram Sabhas on Gandhi Jayanti reaffirmed that protecting children’s rights is both a legal duty and a moral responsibility.
