Port Blair, Oct. 17: Our country has enacted stringent laws to combat the scourge of child marriage. But despite having strict laws, every year around 15 lakh under-age girls fall victim to child marriage. Child marriage has been a major hurdle in their holistic development like education, health and security. According to government figures, on an average only one case of child marriage is registered each year in every district. This is a matter of deep concern.

In order to raise awareness in the public and change their attitude and behaviour towards child marriage and to ensure security of young girls, Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi has appealed for a nationwide campaign to end this social evil. The campaign will run for 3 years for creating a “Child Marriage Free India”.

The three main objectives of the campaign are: 1 – To ensure the strict implementation of law, 2-   To enhance participation of children and ensure their empowerment and 3- To provide safety to children against sexual exploitation.

The aim of the campaign is to bring about a positive change in the social behaviour and perception of people against a social evil like child marriage. This was launched today at Navranpura and in over 300 districts across the country. It was led by lakhs of women in a torchlight procession expressing solidarity with the campaign and to ensure safety of young girls. Millions of people across the country participated in the campaign.

In Andaman, the NGO Prayas conducted a campaign at Brookshabad in which around 40 had participated. The main speakers at the campaign included Ms. G.Mini , Advocate - Legal Officer, Access to Justice Project , Prayas Andaman and Ms. Sushila Bage, Counsellor, A2J, Prayas, Andaman.

The participants also took a candle march to show their solidarity against this evil practice. The team will start a signature campaign pledging to support the cause in the Islands.