The Closing Convergence Meeting of the ASHA (Awareness, Support, Help and Action) Unit of East Jaintia Hills District was held on March 3, under the chairmanship of Smt B Khriam, Hon’ble District and Sessions Judge-cum-Chairperson of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), & Chairperson, ASHA (Awareness, Support, Help and Action) Unit, East Jaintia Hills District at the Conference Room, office of the Deputy Commissioner. The meeting marked the formal closure of the 100-Day Intensive Awareness Campaign conducted under National Legal Services Authority (NALSA)’s ASHASOP and the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Campaign for the prevention of Child Marriage.
The campaign, which was implemented across the district in three phases, included a series of community outreach initiatives such as awareness programmes, street plays, rallies, essay writing competitions and sensitization activities conducted in identified educational institutions, market areas andvillages to educate the public on the harmful effects of Child Marriage and the importance of protecting children’s rights.
Based on identification exercise undertaken by the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Eat Jaintia Hills District and Khliehriat Women Police Station, a total of 116 villages across the district’s three C&RD Blocks were identified as Child Marriage Free Villages which include 55 villages under Saipung C&RD Block, 27 villages under Lumshnong C&RD Block and 34 villages under Wapung C&RD Block.
The 55 villages under Saipung C&RD Block include Artan, Fiangpui, Jarain, Jongria Old, Jongria Thar, Khaidong, Khoingoi, Kremmyrsiang, Kulpui, Lumbangla, Lumshyrngan, Lummaicham, Muallian, Mualcheng, Mooriap, Mualhoi, New Tlangmoi, Ngaibang, Sahkai, Saipung, Saibual, Saitual, SakhainMoolimen, Sakwa, Saron, Saphak, Shnongrim, Shnongthymme, Situng,Teizol,Thuruk, Tlangmoi, Tlangpui, Tluh, Tongseng, Tuidam, Tuituk, Umkyrpong, Dimasitung, Kayiengphai, Kayengkham/Kayiengpur, Kaizakham, New Machikur, P. Zoar, Bomboithol, Diruphai, Umkboh, Salain, Umthe, Moopad, Kharoh, Kayonkham, Simlei, Nadiangzol andLaizol.
In Lumshnong C&RD Block, the 27 Villages declared as Child Marriage Free Villagesinclude Um Rasiang, BriShyrnot, Umlong, Lahalein, Huroi, Borsara, Shymplong, LumSoski, Dona Skur, Baskuna, Dona Umbluh, LumPyllut, Ratachera, LumMyrli, Hingaria, Kuliang, Umtyra, Nongsning, Mynkre, Umrasong, MusiangLamare (New), Umstain, Moolidor, Larseng, Wahiajer, Khaddum and Sialkan.
34 Villages under Wapung C&RD Block were declared as Child Marriage Free Villages. These include Borghat, Chamcham, Deinchynrum, Demlakang, IurimKhliehshnong, Kairang, Khliehmyntriang, Kongong, Kwator, Lad Lakadong, LadrymbaiDatsympein, LadrymbaiKhliehDupon, Lama, Lumshyrmit, Mookhep, Moo Nongtdu, Moopala, Mukhaialong, Musniang Rim, Lumskhen, Natbor, Nongthymme, PdeingWahKhynriam, Pynurkba, Rachai, ShilliangUmshong, Sohkymphor, SuchenLumiarain, SuchenMulieh, Suchen Rim, Umlangsha, Umlatdoh, Ummat andUmsatai.
It may be mentioned that out of the total 206 villages in East Jaintia Hills District, the above mentioned 116 villages have been officially declared as Child Marriage Free Zones with thedeclaration highlighting the collective efforts of district authorities, law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders in strengthening awareness and preventive measures against Child Marriage and Teenage Pregnancy.
The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) and the District Administration, East Jaintia Hills Districtreiterated their commitment to continue working with communities to safeguard the rights and well-being of children across East Jaintia Hills District.
