Bihar: How Didi Adhikar Kendras Are Proving Guardian of Adolescent Girls' Dreams; These Teens Chose Education over Child Marriage
Patna: Several instances of child marriage in Bihar's Rohtas district have been averted through the active intervention of the Panchayati Raj Department's initiative 'Didi Adhikar Kendra' (DAK), the vigilance of public representatives, and administrative support.
According to official information, the Didi Adhikar Kendra—operating with the aim of raising social awareness and eradicating evils like child marriage—plays a pivotal role by providing legal aid, counseling, and community awareness. DAK's intervention successfully halted child marriages in five major cases across the district.
Durga Kumari is studying in 10th grade
In Shivsagar village, 15-year-old Durga Kumari was being forced into marriage due to social pressure and illiteracy. Rituals had already been completed, but Sarpanch Geeta Devi refused to give up. Arriving at the critical moment, she issued a stern warning: even though the wedding ceremony had taken place, she would send everyone to jail if any attempt was made to send the girl away (vidai) to her in-laws' home. Thanks to the Sarpanch's firm stance and DAK's support, a case was registered, and a legal bond was executed. Today, Durga lives with her parents and is studying in the 10th grade.
Jyoti is now an active member of an adolescent girls' group
In Chandan village of Tilouthu block, the father of 15-year-old Jyoti Kumari was determined to marry her off to escape family responsibilities. DAK, along with Mukhiya Vinod Ram, local Panch members, and villagers, took immediate action. Childline (1098) was contacted to inform the Child Protection Officer. The child marriage was prevented through legal assistance. Today, Jyoti is shaping a better future for herself as an active member of an adolescent girls' group.
Sandhya is now continuing her education in a safe environment
In Baradih village, 14-year-old Sandhya Kumari lived with her elderly grandparents. Overwhelmed by the burden of raising her, the grandparents had arranged her marriage. However, following counseling by Ward Commissioner Ahsan Ansari and the sustained efforts of DAK, panchayat representatives, 'Sakshama Didis' (empowered women volunteers), and Anganwadi workers, the grandparents abandoned the plan. Sandhya is now continuing her education in a safe environment.
Marriage of 15-year-old Pooja had been arranged due to poverty
In Tarachandi, the marriage of 15-year-old Pooja Kumari had been arranged due to poverty. Panchayat representative Sonu Kumar, acting as a vigilant citizen, informed the police by calling helplines 1098 and 112. A team comprising the BDO, CDPO, Anganwadi worker, and Vikas Mitra—coordinated by the DAK—arrived at the scene. The family was apprised of the legal consequences of child marriage and the importance of the girl's education, leading to the cancellation of the wedding.
Baby's education was safeguarded
In Magarwalia Panchayat of Rajpur Block, 17-year-old intermediate student Baby Kumari faced the threat of marriage due to societal pressure and financial hardship. Mukhiya Indrajit Kumar, Sarpanch Mithilesh Rai, Ward Member Neelam Devi, Panch Sita Devi, and the DAK committee launched a joint campaign. Through dialogue with the family, a meeting with the BDO, and the efforts of the Village Organization's social work committee, Baby's education was safeguarded.
Departmental officials stated that these incidents of child marriage were successfully averted through the cooperation of the district administration, Panchayat representatives, and the local community. They emphasized that to eradicate child marriage, society must rise above illiteracy, poverty, and regressive mindsets to prioritize the education and empowerment of adolescent girls.