Project Ponvakk bearing fruit; 29 child marriages stopped; more cases in Malappuram

KOZHIKODE: 29 child marriages have been stopped in Kerala in the last three years through Project Ponvakk. This is the figure from 2021 to 2024. A total amount of Rs. 72,500 has been given rewards. Women and Child Development Department started 'Project Ponvakk' in 2021 with public participation to prevent child marriages. The scheme involves giving a reward of Rs 2,500 to those who provide information.

14 child marriages in 2021-22, 10 in 2022-23 and five in 2023-24 were reported. More cases were reported in Malappuram. 11 marriages were stopped there. No cases have been reported so far from Kottayam, Ernakulam, Kannur and Kasaragod districts.

Cases are decreasing every year. The women and child development officials stated that the cases have decreased as the law has become stricter and more people have started registering complaints.

Will be confidential

Information about child marriage can be reported to the Child Marriage Prohibition and District Women and Child Development Officers by phone or e-mail. Information of informants will be kept confidential. If more than one informs, the first informer will be the one getting rewarded. Phone number to inform: 94479 47304.

District.................................. Marriages stopped.............................Reward

Thiruvananthapuram............1........................................................................2,500

Kollam..................................2........................................................................5,000

Pathanamthitta.....................1........................................................................2,500

Alappuzha............................2........................................................................5,000

Idukki....................................3.........................................................................7,500

Thrissur................................1.........................................................................2,500

Palakkad..............................3........................................................................7,500

Malappuram.......................11........................................................................27500

Wayanad.............................2..........................................................................5,000

Kozhikode............................3..........................................................................7,500

Marriages prevented so far - 29

Reward-Rs. 72,500

More child marriages- Malappuram-11