Nanded, May 15 (PTI) The administration in Maharashtra’s Nanded district has prevented 36 child marriages in the past month, officials said on Friday.
The Women and Child Development Department conducted a drive against child marriage between April 12 and May 13, they said.
According to officials, multiple complaints were registered on the 1098 Childline, a 24-hour, emergency toll-free phone service for children in need of care and protection.
“Acting swiftly, the administration intervened through counselling, awareness efforts, and on-ground verification, successfully stopping 36 such marriages before they could be solemnised,” an official said.
The administration has said that the affected girls are being produced before the Child Welfare Committee to ensure their further care and protection.
Under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, the legal age for marriage is 21 years for males and 18 years for females, and violations of this law attract strict legal action.
District Collector Rahul Kardile has urged citizens to report any information regarding child marriages in their area by calling 1098. PTI COR NR
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