UKHRUL, NOVEMBER 27: The District Administration Kangpokpi in coordination with Integrated Rural Management Association (IRMA) organised a one-day district-level stakeholders programme on the ‘Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat’ campaign.
The programme was held commemorating the first anniversary of the ‘Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat’ campaign in the district. The campaign was launched in the district by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 27, 2024 at JK conference hall, Sapormeina under Saitu-Gamphazol Sub Divisions, Kangpokpi.
Delivering the keynote address, chief functionary of IRMA, T Lamjaneng Haokip, shared that IRMA was founded in 2001 in Kangpokpi district, and since then has been actively working for women empowerment, livelihood upliftment, access to justice for children, and the prevention of child labour and trafficking.
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She added that today’s event comprised two major components — a campaign and the celebration of IRMA’s one-year anniversary in the district. She also noted that IRMA Kangpokpi had already launched a 100-day awareness campaign across the district starting from November.
The programme further featured a presentation by Thangminlen who spoke on “Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat”, covering its vision, mission, focus areas, and ongoing as well as future initiatives.
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Speaking on the occasion, N Shokhongam Baite, ADM, who also serves as the chairman of the Child Marriage Prohibition Officer (CMPO), appreciated the significant work being carried out by IRMA and emphasized the need for the campaign to reach every corner of the district, in collaboration with all relevant departments.
He expressed delight that IRMA has already reached out to more than 40 Church Pastors and Temple Pandits to raise awareness on child marriage and its legal prohibition.
The ADM also informed that the district administration, along with the Social Welfare Department, is working to expedite the completion of the Juvenile Home for both boys and girls.
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Baite further requested IRMA to collect data on the causes of child marriage in remote villages and proposed organising a follow-up meeting under his chairmanship, involving departments such as Police, Social Welfare, Education, and ICDS, with the goal of making Kangpokpi a Child-Marriage-Free District.
A pledge was also administered in the presence of the ADM, reaffirming the collective commitment to make Kangpokpi a Child-Marriage-Free District.
The event was attended by Paotinsei Kipgen, SDO Saitu-Gamphazol; DLOs, DCPO staff, ICDS, CSO, among others.
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