Pampa Pahan was a 15 year old tribal girl from West Bengal.
A bright student of class IX, her father, Baidyanath Pahan was a daily labourer
and her mother, Laxmi Pahan a house wife. Hailing from very poor conditions the
family’s monthly income was around Rs. 2000 only. Her father, the only bread
winner of the family, was fending for Laxmi, Pampa and her four sisters.
Giving in to their destitute conditions Pampa’s father
decided to get her married. A strong willed Pampa adamantly rebelled against
her father’s decisions as she was keen on continuing her studies. Despite all
of her efforts to persuade her parents, the girl was left with no option but to
give in and accept the proposed marriage.
A person named Arun Sarkar called 1098 and informed
CHILDLINE about Pampa’s impending marriage. On receiving the call, CHILDLINE
visited the girl’s family. After thorough investigation, a complaint was lodged
with the District Social Welfare Officer who was also the Child Marriage
Prohibition Officer (CMPO). The CMPO, on
his part, informed the matter in writing, to Balurghat Police Station.
Following intimation from the appropriate authority, the concerned officials of
Balurghat Police Station & CHILDLINE jointly intervened to prevent Pampa’s
marriage from taking place.
After prolonged discussions,
persuasion and counseling by the CHILDLINE team, Pampa’s parents, relatives and
the neighbors were convinced about the consequences of child marriage and as a
result, the team was successful in stopping the marriage. Furthermore, Pampa’s father gave a commitment
that he would not arrange his daughter’s marriage till she attains 18 years of
age. Now Pampa is continuing her studies and plans for a prosperous career.
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