Locals of Hima Rural Municipality of Jumla have resolved not to allow child marriages. They have promised to root out child marriage, which is legally considered a crime.
Central Government Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens Navalkishore Shah Sudi declared Hima as the first municipality in Karnali as a child marriage free municipality. He said that the announcement of the end of child marriage, which is rampant as a social evil and bad culture, is spreading a good message in the country. He said, 'Hima's work is very inspiring for social change. This initiative aimed at ending social evils like child marriage is sure to give a new identity to Karnali province.' Earlier, all seven wards within the municipality have been freed from child marriage. Based on the National Child Marriage Strategy 2072 and the Child Marriage Free Survey and Strategy 2079, the Child Marriage Free Municipality has been declared.
In 2080/2081, 132 people got married. According to the report presented by Rajya Lakshmi Rawal of Women and Children Branch, there has been no child marriage for the past three years. It is mentioned in the report that 18 couples got married in Hima 1, 27 in 2, 22 in 3, 18 in 4, 12 in 5, 22 in 6 and 23 in 7.
Hima rural municipality chairman Lakshman Bahadur Shahi He said that child marriage is connected with human life, so this issue has been raised with priority. This campaign started by Hima will contribute greatly to the social transformation of the local level. Ending child marriage means strengthening the society,' President Shahi said, 'This campaign will improve education, health and employment opportunities for teenagers.' Hima created a child protection policy, child marriage free campaign operating guidelines and a child rights protection committee at the ward, municipal and school levels.
