Combat child marriage, prioritise girls’ education in tribal areas: APCRPC chief

Andhra Pradesh Child Rights Protection Commission Chairman Kesali Apparao has reaffirmed the commitment to combat child marriage with stringent measures. Speaking during an awareness campaign on the prevention of child marriage, the Chairman emphasised the government’s prioritisation of girls’ education and healthcare in tribal areas, affirming that education plays a pivotal role in societal advancement. He underscored the importance of education with values and urged youth to steer clear of detrimental influences such as social media and harmful habits.
Paderu Legislator Kottagulli Bagyalakshmi stressed the collective responsibility to safeguard the rights of girls. She highlighted the government’s efforts to ensure the health and hygiene of girls, particularly in tribal areas, through initiatives such as Anganwadi centers providing comprehensive nutrition. ITDA Project Officer V Abhishek shed light on the Beti Bachao and Beti Padhao (Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child) campaign, urging students to prioritise education and delay marriage until the age of 21. He also encouraged parents to oppose forced child marriages and report such instances to the authorities.
Additional SP K. Dheeraj underscored the pivotal role of education in shaping a prosperous future, cautioning students against the pitfalls of neglecting their academic pursuits and advocating for delayed marriage to focus on personal goals. Child Rights Protection Commission member Gondu Sitaram reiterated the government’s dedication to protecting children’s rights and emphasised the importance of leveraging educational opportunities for personal advancement.
The conference concluded with a call to establish a task force committee to combat foeticide and sex determination tests, as well as to address the alarming issue of children being sold in weekly markets.