Pune | 30.5 | Rayat Samachar
(Social) The Women and Child Development Department has clarified reports published in some media outlets claiming that 55 minor girls in Akole taluka were pregnant, stating that such figures are not based on official departmental records. The department said the matter has been taken seriously, and the Commissionerate of Women and Child Development sought a detailed report from district-level officials, confirming that no official record exists of “55 minor mothers.”
(Social) According to information from the Women and Child Development Department, neither the Ahilyanagar District Women and Child Development Office nor the Child Development Project Officer offices in Akole and Rajur possess official data supporting such claims. The department stated that the report appears to have originated from verbal discussions regarding possibilities among officials and was published without proper factual verification.
(Social) The department also stated that the factual position had already been presented before the Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights. District Women and Child Development officials and District Child Protection Officers had reportedly submitted complete information before the commission.
Strict Government Stand Against Child Marriage
The department reiterated that the Maharashtra government follows a zero-tolerance policy toward child marriage, child sexual abuse, and violations of child rights. In cases involving minor marriages or minor mothers, strict legal action is directed under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, revised 2022 notifications, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.
Police authorities, health departments, rural development agencies, and local self-government institutions have reportedly also been instructed to ensure immediate legal action whenever such incidents are detected.
Ahilyanagar’s Recognition at National Level
Under the Child Marriage-Free India Campaign, Ahilyanagar district reportedly recorded notable achievements. More than 252,000 online pledges were registered on the central government portal, and over 15,000 on the Meri Sarkar portal, reportedly placing the district first at both state and national levels. More than 44,000 awareness programs were also conducted, with nearly 3.9 million citizens participating in the campaign.
155 Child Marriages Prevented
During 2025–26, Ahilyanagar district reportedly prevented 155 child marriages, with FIRs registered in 15 cases and 55 cases presented before the Child Welfare Committee.
Additionally, during April and May 2026 alone, action on complaints received through the Childline 1098 reportedly helped prevent 101 potential child marriages.
The Women and Child Development Department appealed to citizens and media organizations to rely on official information, factual verification, and responsible journalism while reporting sensitive issues concerning children.
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