Growing awareness helps stop 14 child marriages in Bidar in April

Bidar: As many as 14 child marriages were prevented in Bidar district in April alone, largely due to increased public awareness and timely intervention by the child protection machinery. Officials said awareness campaigns have helped bring many such cases to light, enabling authorities to act swiftly. In all, 134 child marriages have been prevented in the district over the last three years.Officials noted that greater awareness among people has played a key role in identifying planned child marriages. This has helped the child protection department intervene in time and safeguard minors. During 2024–25, officials prevented 55 child marriages, though three weddings still took place, following which FIRs were registered against those involved. In 2025–26, a total of 65 child marriages were stopped, while five cases occurred, with FIRs filed in all instances.April, traditionally considered the peak wedding season in the region, saw heightened vigilance. With most marriages taking place in April and May, officials said special monitoring helped prevent 14 child marriages in April 2026 alone.Speaking to TOI, district child protection officer Sharada Kalmalkar said four workshops were held at the gram panchayat level to train officials on gathering information related to child marriages. "They were trained to inspect wedding halls, wedding card printing presses, and interact with moulvis, purohits and church heads to identify early warning signs," she said.She added that public cooperation has also increased, with people voluntarily reporting planned child marriages by calling the child helpline number 1098, on being assured that the identity of informers is kept confidential. Sharada said strict action against offenders has also acted as a deterrent, helping curb such practices.