A one-day sensitisation programme on “The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006” was jointly organised by the Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW), Phoubakchao Young Muslims Development Association and United Manipur Muslim Women Development Organisation at Phoubakchao Makha Public Community Hall, Phoubakchao, Imphal West.
The programme sponsored by the Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW) aimed at educating the local community and youth about the legal, social, and psychological impacts of child marriage, while enhancing their understanding of the law and their responsibilities in preventing such marriages.
The programme was attended by Thumlip Tiningpham Monsang, Chairperson, Manipur State Commission for Women; Sk. Sophia Moyon, Member (MSCW); W. Phajatombi Devi, MCS, Member, Secretary, MSCW; Najima Phundreimayum, General Secretary, United Manipur Muslim Women Development Organisation and Shahabuddin Cheshaba, Secretary Phoubakchao Young Muslims Development Association as presidium members. More than 150 men, women and girls from Meitei Pangal community attended the programme.
During the event, Thumlip Tiningpham Monsang, Chairperson of MSCW, highlighted that child marriage remains a quiet yet challenging issue in many parts of Manipur and across India. Parents and stakeholders play an important role in preventing child marriage. Preventing child marriage and protecting children from abuse is not just enforcing the law but building a healthier, stronger and more equal society, she said.
She said that every child deserves a childhood of education, safety, and opportunities, not the burden of adult responsibilities. She also encouraged families to seek marriage counselling early, before problems arise. She further highlighted the role of the Manipur State Commission for Women, which continues to provide support services and plans to operate a dedicated counselling cell to assist women and families in need.
During the first technical sessions, Thiyam Rajkishore, Advocate, deliberated on the topic “Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA) 2006, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. He emphasized their key provisions, including definitions, penalties, and societal duties.
The session highlighted that marriages below the legal age constitute punishable offences, with even parents and guests facing penalties for participation. Resource persons also explained the Child Helpline (1098) and Emergency Helpline (112).
T. Chuongsin Koireng, Ex-Member of the Manipur State Commission for Women, deliberated on the topic “Impact of child marriage in today’s society”.
Many minors marry without realizing the consequences, leading to school dropout and limited livelihood options. As a result, forced into early family responsibilities and low-income work, face physical and mental health problems and many are fall into substance abuse.
These challenges start at home but eventually grow into wider social problems, showing how child marriage harms both families and communities.
Thongkhongmayum Mv. Rahul Amin, Secy. Jamiat I Ulma, Imphal West, spoke on the topic “Muslim Women Laws & Provisions”.
An interactive session followed, during which participants raised various queries, which the resource persons effectively addressed.
