Bhubaneswar: Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who also holds Women and Child Development portfolio, has directed authorities to submit a detailed report on an alleged child marriage at Satabhaya village in Odisha’s Kendrapada district.
Parida expressed serious concern over the incident and emphasised the need for swift action while attending a state-level workshop on the prevention of atrocities committed on suspicion of witchcraft and child marriage here on Tuesday. “I have sought a comprehensive report on the alleged child marriage in Satabhaya. Strict measures will be taken as per the law,” she stated.
She stressed the need for societal participation to eradicate such practices while highlighting the efforts being put in by Anganwadi workers, child welfare committees, and related agencies in the field. “The state government is committed to eradicating child marriage and has been taking proactive measures, including awareness campaigns and strict enforcement of laws. But government efforts alone are not enough; the society must cooperate to root out these deep-seated social issues. We can only take actions when such cases are reported,” she added.
Child marriage remains a challenge in Odisha with 8,159 being prevented across the state in the last five years since 2019.
