Mumra-8 Declared Child Marriage Prohibited Ward

By Man Bahadur Bishwakarma, Kalikot, June 3: Mumra, Ward No. 8 of Sanni Triveni Rural Municipality in Kalikot, has been declared a child marriage prohibited ward. With the slogan “Let’s not talk about marriage, not until we’re 20”, the ward was officially declared child marriage prohibited amidst a grand ceremony on Monday.

According to Ward Chairperson Naula Singh Budha of Sanni Triveni–8, the declaration was made in the presence of Rural Municipality Chairperson Mohan Bahadur KC as the chief guest, and with special attendance of Vice Chairperson Parbati Singh Sanjyal and advocate as well as former Chairperson of Shubhakalikha Rural Municipality Khadananda Chaulagain. The declaration was made with a commitment from the community not to engage in or promote child marriage.

“Child marriage is a legal and social crime,” said Chairperson Budha. “From now on, we have made a commitment in the presence of the deities we worship.” He further explained that although the child marriage rate in Mumra was 68% four years ago, due to a campaign run with the support of organizations including Plan International, it was reduced to below 10% by Chaitra 2081 BS, leading to the ward being declared child marriage prohibited.

The local community, schools, parents, and adolescents all pledged, in the name of the gods and goddesses, not to participate in or allow child marriage. “This is not just a declaration, it is our shared commitment,” added Ward Chairperson Budha.

Since child marriage directly affects children’s education, health, nutrition, and safety, the rural municipality has set a goal of making the entire municipality child marriage-free within two years, said Chairperson Mohan Bahadur KC. “Many girls who were married off at a young age are now suffering from physical and mental health issues. Child marriage ruins an entire life,” he said.

Rural Municipality Vice Chairperson Parbati Singh Sanjyal stated that the local government’s focus will now be on investing in the education of adolescents. “Education is the main solution to end child marriage. Only an educated generation can break these harmful traditional practices,” she said.

Chairperson of Ward No. 3 and Spokesperson of the Rural Municipality, Rangalal Devkota, expressed a commitment to socially boycott those who engage in or promote child marriage. “Not only the law but society itself should respond seriously,” he said.

Treasurer of Nepal Bar Association Kalikot and former Chairperson of Shubhakalikha Rural Municipality, Khadananda Chaulagain, elaborated on the legal consequences of child marriage. “In Kalikot, 50% of child marriage cases end up in court for divorce. This shows the long-term impact of child marriage,” he shared.

President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists Kalikot, Bharat Raj Bista, emphasized the important role of media in social transformation and urged all journalists to highlight such positive initiatives. “These kinds of declarations raise social awareness. Journalists should portray them as inspiring, not negatively,” he said.

Similarly, Tularam Pandey, district coordinator of KIRDARC Nepal in Kalikot, stated that due to the efforts of non-governmental organizations, the widespread practice of child marriage in the district has been somewhat reduced. He stressed that not only social organizations but also local governments must take this issue seriously.

According to Baliraj Shahi, coordinator of the Girls standing strong Project, out of the 82 wards in Kalikot, 23 wards across Tilagupha, Shubhakalika, Raskot, Naraharinath, and Sanni Triveni Rural Municipalities have already been declared child marriage prohibited.

“Awareness is growing across society,” said Shahi. “Our goal now is not just to make the municipalities, but the entire district child marriage-free.”