Strengthening efforts to end child marriage and violence against women and children, the "Surakshit Bachpan Khushaal Jeevan" campaign wrapped up successfully on Children's Day, November 14. 

The campaign was running across 12 districts in Jharkhand - Chatra, Deoghar, Dumka, Garhwa, Godda, Giridih, Hazaribagh, Jamtara, Palamu, Pakur, Sahibganj, and West Singhbhum spanned 15-days.

It was led by District Administration in collaboration with JSCPS, DWCD&SS, JSLPS, UNICEF and XISS and focused on raising awareness and fostering community involvement towards ending child marriage and violence against children, especially child’s sexual abuse.

This campaign had started on October 31. It involved training for Child Marriage Prohibition Officers from districts till panchayat level across the state. Also it laid emphasis on orientation of traditional leaders, religious leader and media orientation on these issues as well as orientation of PRIs, SHGs etc.

In addition, training entailed  participatory activities like awareness rallies, oath-taking, drawing competitions, and identification of vulnerable girls who could be linked with Savitri Bai Phule Yojna to help them continue education and prevent child marriage in 12 child marriage high prevalence districts. 

The campaign also covered facilitation of girls and other stakeholders who have helped in preventing child marriage. 

Emphasizing prevention, officials urged the people to report cases of child marriage through helpline numbers 112 or 1098. As part of the campaign, a District Communication Plan was developed to end child marriage and violence against children. It is enforced in each district, incorporating all relevant departments and stakeholders. 

This comprehensive plan underscores the commitment to eradicating child marriage and violence and ensures a coordinated effort across the 12 districts,” said Dr. Kaninika Mitra, Chief, UNICEF Jharkhand.

In effect, the "Surakshit Bachpan Khushaal Jeevan" campaign marked a significant stride toward protecting the future of children in Jharkhand, emphasizing the pivotal role of community engagement and strategic planning in creating a safer environment for every child.