The three-day Maharashtra Legislature's Committee on Women's and Children's Rights and Welfare, led by MLA Monica Rajale, has called for strict action against child marriages during its visit to Nashik District. The committee includes MLAs Manisha Kayande, Manjula Gavit, and Seema Hiray.
Committee's Emphasis on Stringent Measures
According to a senior officer from Nashik Zilla Parishad, the committee stressed taking complaints regarding child marriage and women's safety with utmost seriousness. The members visited various government offices and institutions in Dindori taluka to inspect their operations.
Inspections and Visits
The committee visited the tribal girls' hostel in Dindori taluka, the primary health centre in Talegaon, the 'Adarsh AI Anganwadi Centre' in Vanarwadi, and Sahyadri Farms. They gathered information about training programmes for farmers. They also visited the Dindori Panchayat Samiti, Dindori police station, and the 'Adarsh gram panchayat' of Avankhed, engaging in dialogue with the sarpanch and villagers about local initiatives.
Highlight: Modern Anganwadi Centre
The 'Adarsh AI Anganwadi Centre' in Vanarwadi, established to provide high-quality early childhood education using modern technology, was a highlight. The ZP Nashik officer added that Chairperson Rajale praised the anganwadi, noting that such modern and attractive centres in rural areas would cultivate a love for learning among children and boost attendance rates. She said efforts would be made to replicate them across the state.
Fund Utilization and Reporting
The officer also stated that the committee asked the zilla parishad and Nashik Municipal Corporation to ensure that allocated funds for women and children welfare schemes are utilized within the stipulated timeframe. The committee further instructed government departments to regularly apprise elected representatives of schemes related to women and child development.
