Childline, a child-welfare related NGO, has prevented the marriage of 10 minors in Mandi district in the last six months.
Childline NGO had issued its helpline number 1098 to help minors not to become a victim of child marriage. After collecting required information, the Childline members make a surprise visit along with police persons to rescue minors from the clutches of offenders to prevent child marriage and child labour.
The ADC of Mandi directed officials of the Education Department to ensure admission of such children in schools, who were rescued by Childline from offenders. The Himachal Pradesh administration has been keeping a close watch on offenders, who would engage minors in child labour or force child marriage.
Child-Marriage in India:
Child marriage in India is a marriage where either the girl is below age 18 or the boy is below age 21. The marriage of underage boy and girl is a serious offence for which accused parents or any other, who is involved in the crime, can be sentenced to 2 years imprisonment and will have to pay a fine up to Rs 1 lakh.