Strict surveillance in UP to prevent child marriage on Akshay Tritiya

Varanasi: City markets, especially hubs of jewellers, wait for hectic gold trade on Akshay Tritiya, many celebrate Parshuram Jayanti and hold religious events without considering the muhurt (auspicious occasion/moment).

The probation department also faces a hectic task on this day, as they maintain sharp vigil to check child marriages, which a large number of families from weaker sections hold on the occasion.

There were efforts to mobilise officials from police, social welfare and other departments in all districts on Tuesday, eve of the festive day. ADM (City), Alok Verma, in Varanasi led the drive and requested all SDMs, officials from the police, probation, social welfare, women and child welfare and others to maintain sharp vigil in their respective areas to ensure no child marriage takes place.

Not only in Varanasi, but similar exercises were evident in all districts of this region. A team led by district probation officer Vijay Kumar Pandey in Jaunpur was also sensitising people to prevent child marriages. The officials informed them that the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 was notified on Jan 10, 2007, and came into effect on Nov 1, 2007.

According to the law, the legal marriage age is set at 21 for boys and 18 for girls. If a boy or girl is below these ages, it is considered child marriage. The officials made it very clear that those involved in a child marriage can face two years of imprisonment, a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh, or both. Women are only fined.

Anyone involved, whether family members, neighbours, tent and catering service providers, musicians, barbers, priests, or religious figures who assist in the event, will also be held accountable. The officials said, "As part of our social responsibility, all are encouraged to report such incidents on helpline 1098. The identity of the informant will be kept confidential and effective action will be taken on the complaint." Officials were seeking cooperation from everyone in society to make UP free from child marriages, as despite all efforts, many cases continue to come to light. As per records made available by district probation officer of Varanasi, four cases of child marriage came to light in 2024-25, while in 2023-24, six cases were registered.