137/2025-2026 

Dated Aizawl the 15th July 2025: The Directorate of Women & Child Development, Government of Mizoram, convened the 2nd Review Meeting cum Sensitization Programme on the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006, at Secretariat Conference Hall No.1 today. The meeting was chaired by Pi Lalzarmawii, Commissioner & Secretary, Social Welfare, Tribal Affairs, Women & Child Development Department. 

This meeting forms part of the strategic follow-up to the Supreme Court’s judgment dated 18th October 2024 in Writ Petition (C) No. 1234 of 2017 – Society for Enlightenment and Voluntary Action vs Union of India – which mandates specific state-level action to eliminate child marriages. 

The programme began with opening remarks by the Chairperson, followed by a sensitization session led by Pi Priscilla Lallawmsangi, Legal Officer, Mizoram State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR). Pi Zoramthangi Chhangte, Director, Women & Child Development, shared key agenda points aligned with the Court’s directives and national campaign goals under ‘Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat’. 

Discussions centered on strengthening inter-departmental coordination and convergence with local authorities, police, and educational institutions. The agenda included training of law enforcement and judicial officers, integration of the Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU), contextual definition of 'solemnization' under Mizoram customs, inclusion of PCMA content in school textbooks, designation of female teachers for awareness activities, implementation of leadership programs for adolescent girls, and strategies to support children at risk of early marriage. 

The meeting emphasized the importance of collective responsibility under the “Whole of Government & Whole of Society” approach, reaffirming Mizoram’s commitment to eradicating child marriage and protecting children’s rights across the state. 

The following officials participated in the meeting through offline and online mode:

1. Inspector General of Police, Headquarters (IGP HQ)

2. All Deputy Commissioners (DCs)

3. Under Secretary, SW,W&CD Department

4. Joint Director, Directorate of School Education

5. Director & Deputy Director, Directorate of Women & Child Development

6. Superintendent of Police, Aizawl

7. Addl. Superintendent of Police, CID (Crime)

8. Deputy Secretary, Law & Judicial Department

9. Joint Secretary, Home Department

10. Joint Secretary, School Education Department

11. Member Secretary, State Legal Services Authority (SLSA)

12. Secretaries from District Legal Services Authority (DLSA)

13. Sub-Divisional Police Officers, Aizawl North & South

14. Legal Officer, MSCPCR