Berhampur, November 22 (LocalWire): In a bid to arrest the child marriage and to dispel witchcraft and superstation practice, the Ganjam administration here launched a mass pledge campaign for school students across the district on Thursday.
The pledge was also taken by the Anganwadi and Asha workers, ANMs and members of the women self-help groups (WSHGs) across the district at panchayat level.
“The campaign will continue for a week, and we expect over 4.50 lakh students from 3,624 schools to take the pledge against child marriage and superstations like witchcraft and black magic. The students will take the pledge during their assembly session,” Ganjam district collector Vijay Amruta Kulange said.
Mu Satchetan (I am aware), the new concept of the administration was launched at a meeting held at the MKCG Medical College auditorium. It was attended by officers from different departments.
“We have already instructed the concerned officers, including district education officer, chief district medical officer, and the district social welfare officer to undertake the massive initiative and create awareness among the young minds,” he said.
It may be recalled that in his effort to dispel the superstitions and belief in witches and ghosts, the district collector had earlier announced a cash award of Rs 50,000 for anyone who can prove the existence of ghost.
“Since the announcement last month, not a single person came forward to take up the challenge,” the collector stated.
Similarly, the administration has also launched initiatives like Nirbhaya Kadhi and Mo Gelha Jhia to ensure rights to children and adolescents.
“The initiative is aimed to address the issues of girls, including, to put a stop to child marriage with the involvement of concerned officers and the people,” the collector said.
The Nirbhaya Kadhi, a monthly programme usually held on third Saturday at the Anganwadi Kendra, has been appreciated across the state for its impact in reducing child marriage in the district.
The programme creates awareness among the masses about the prevailing laws that makes marrying of children at a tender age an offence.
Similarly, the Mo Gelha Jhia programme launched by the administration has proved highly successful in narrowing down the gap in the child sex ratio in the district. Under the programme, the administration celebrates the birthday of every girl born in the district.
LocalWire
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