In a significant move, the Department of Women and Child Welfare has expanded the list of Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) to include pre-university (PU) college principals. This new responsibility will require principals to actively prevent any girl child studying in their institutions from marrying before reaching the legal age of 18. This addition aims to enhance awareness and prevent child marriages in educational settings.
The CMPO role, which was traditionally assigned to government officials such as the deputy commissioner, superintendent of police, and district social welfare officers, now extends to include PU college principals, directors of the child protection directorate, and district coordinators working with child helplines. This change follows a government order issued on February 4, reflecting a broader strategy to involve educational institutions in child protection efforts.
Under this initiative, CMPOs are tasked with raising awareness about the Child Marriage Prohibition Act (CMPA) and educating the community on the harmful consequences of child marriage. Their primary goal remains the prevention of such marriages.
While experts have welcomed the inclusion of PU college principals, they also emphasize the need for proper training and legal support to ensure the effectiveness of these officers. Nagasimha G Rao, Director of the Child Rights Trust, highlighted the importance of providing CMPOs with regular workshops and resources to properly understand their roles, responsibilities, and the legal framework. He stressed the necessity of recognition and incentives for CMPOs who successfully prevent child marriages, noting that regular training and legal assistance are vital for ensuring success in this important initiative.
As the number of CMPOs in the state grows, with over 30,000 now expected to hold the role, experts warn that multitasking officials might struggle without adequate support, making targeted training programs crucial for the success of this initiative.
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