The district administration will initiate strict action against parents and perpetrators who are responsible for child marriages occurring in Dindigul district, said Collector N Venkatachalam here on Saturday. Offenders will be imprisoned for up to three years, he added.
“Though child marriage was banned in the country it still exists. It is a cause for concern,” he said after inaugurating a special programme on ‘Prevention of child marriages’ organised by the District Welfare Department.
“Poverty and illiteracy are the main reasons for this evil. To check child marriages, the government has introduced free education up to the college level under various welfare schemes”, he said. Representatives of the local bodies, officials and NGOs should work in tandem to create awareness on such evils, he said.
In the instance of any child marriage happening in the city, the public can dial toll free number 1098 (Child Help Line) or 0451-2460092 (District Social Welfare Department), the collector said. Action will be taken immediately, he added.