IRMA Leads Vigilance Drive Against Child Marriage in Kangpokpi on Akshaya Tritiya

Marking the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, the Integrated Rural Management Association (IRMA), an NGO dedicated to child rights protection, observed Vigilance Day in Kangpokpi district to curb child marriages. The initiative received active support from Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) and ASHA units, who reaffirmed their commitment to eliminating the practice across the district.

In collaboration with the district administration, panchayats, schools, and religious leaders, IRMA has been spearheading widespread awareness campaigns aimed at making Kangpokpi child marriage-free. These efforts include outreach programs in schools and villages, as well as administering anti-child marriage pledges to thousands of residents.

Special prevention drives have been intensified during sensitive periods such as Akshaya Tritiya and wedding seasons across religions, when the risk of child marriages traditionally rises. These initiatives are supported by both local authorities and government bodies.

IRMA is also a partner organization of Just Rights for Children, a national network of over 250 NGOs working collectively to protect and promote child rights.

Speaking on the progress of the campaign, IRMA Director Ms. T. Lamjaneng Haokip expressed satisfaction with the declining trend of child marriages in the district.

“Child marriage is a heinous crime and cannot be justified under the guise of auspicious occasions like Akshaya Tritiya or any religious practice,” she said. “While vigilance by the administration and civil society has significantly reduced such cases, our goal is complete eradication.”

She further highlighted that until a few years ago, awareness about the legal implications of child marriage was minimal. Under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006, those involved in facilitating such marriages—including family members, service providers, and even officiating priests—can face up to two years of imprisonment, fines, or both.

However, sustained awareness efforts have led to a shift in public perception. Community members are now more informed and proactive in reporting incidents, enabling authorities to take timely action.

IRMA remains optimistic that Kangpokpi district will achieve its goal of becoming child marriage-free well before 2030.

At the national level, Just Rights for Children and its partners are running anti-child marriage campaigns across more than 450 districts. The network reports having successfully prevented over five lakh child marriages to date.