172 former child brides return to school in Tripura’s south district

The South Tripura district administration’s tireless efforts have garnered widespread recognition for successfully reintegrating 172 young girls into the education system within a remarkable span of 15 months. Former South District Magistrate, now serving as Dhalai District Magistrate, Saju Waheed, shared insights into this commendable achievement, highlighting the challenges faced by these girls who had previously dropped out of school due to early marriages.

Under the ambit of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme, the administration implemented proactive measures to address the alarming trend of child marriages, particularly in response to the concerning revelation of 44 reported cases in September 2022 alone. Utilizing platforms like “Balika Manchas” established within schools, the administration conducted thorough information-gathering exercises to identify and intervene in instances of child marriages effectively. This commitment to safeguarding the welfare of young girls played a pivotal role in curbing the prevalence of this harmful practice.

Saju emphasized the broader ramifications of child marriage, citing adverse impacts on maternal and child health, financial independence, and exposure to various forms of abuse. To combat this issue comprehensively, Girls Clubs were established in numerous high schools and higher secondary schools across the district. These clubs, spearheaded by dedicated lady teachers and student leaders, work collaboratively with school management to address absenteeism and provide necessary support to vulnerable students.