The Bihar government on Thursday issued a directive saying that if child marriage is reported from a village, the ‘mukhiya' (village head) concerned will be held responsible for the illegal act.
The government will also initiate proceedings for the removal of the ‘mukhiya' and ward members of the panchayat concerned, said the directive issued by the panchayati raj department.
“If child marriage is reported from a particular locality, the concerned mukhiya, elected by the village-level constitutional body of local self-government, will be held responsible for such illegal marriage,” the directive read.
The department asked all district collectors to ensure strict enforcement of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.
“Normally, mukhiyas issue marriage certificates in villages. Therefore, it becomes their responsibility to check child marriages in their areas,” Panchayati Raj Minister Samrat Choudhary told PTI.
If child marriage is taking place in an area, it is the duty of the mukhiya concerned to immediately inform the police for appropriate action, he said.
“Strict implementation of Prohibition of Child Marriage Act and anti-dowry law are the top priority of our government,” Mr Choudhary said.
The district authorities were also asked to brief ‘mukhiyas' about their role in curbing child marriages.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Teen Fled Home In 2017 Over Child Marriage To Continue Her Studies: Delhi Police Vigorous Campaign To Be Launched Against Child Marriage, Dowry: Nitish Kumar After Ban On Liquor, Bihar To Tighten Noose On Dowry, Child Marriage Election Results 2024 LIVE Updates: Maharashtra Battle To Decide Real NCP, Sena Election Results LIVE: NDA Wins 17 Seats In Maharashtra, Trails In Jharkhand Jharkhand Election Results: After Trailing Initially, INDIA Makes A Comeback Canada To 'Abide' By ICC Arrest Warrant Against Netanyahu Bigg Boss Fame Ajaz Khan Gets Just 131 Votes In Maharashtra Assembly Polls NATO Chief Discusses 'Global Security' With Donald Trump Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.