Ensuring Access to Justice for Children
The project “Ensuring Access to Justice for Children” aims to protect child rights and ensure safety, justice, and dignity for children in Beed and Dharashiv districts. The key objectives include:
• To make 100 villages child marriage–free in Beed and Dharashiv districts
• To intervene in child sexual abuse cases and work as a Support Person
• To prevent child trafficking (Target: 70 cases – Beed: 40, Dharashiv: 30)
• To create awareness among parents, community members, and school staff
• To strengthen Village Child Protection Committees (VCPCs)
• To provide counselling to 600 children at risk of child marriage and obtain affidavits
• To conduct capacity-building programmes for Gram Sevaks and Sarpanchs through various trainings
The project is implemented in close coordination with district-level government systems to address child marriage, child sexual abuse, and child trafficking effectively.
Key Outputs and Achievements
Counselling and affidavit support provided to 620 girls below the legal age of marriage, in coordination with Gram Sevaks and police authorities
99 children rescued from child trafficking networks
420 children facilitated to receive benefits under the Kranti Jyoti Child Care Scheme
Active intervention as Support Person in 62 child sexual abuse cases
60,000 citizens administered a pledge against child marriage
Village Child Protection Committees established and strengthened in 100 villages
Child marriage prevention pledge and counselling programmes conducted in 120 schools
District-Level Workshops – Beed and Dharashiv
- District-level training workshops were organized in Dharashiv with participation from 160 stakeholders, including village-level volunteers, adolescents, lawyers, Child Welfare Committee members, police officials, Anganwadi workers, and Yuva Gram staff
- Sessions focused on child rights laws and their implementation, including laws related to child marriage, child labour, and child trafficking
- Detailed guidance was provided on the Juvenile Justice system, Right to Education (RTE) Act, and POCSO Act
- The role and responsibilities of Village Child Protection Committees were emphasized
- Participants collectively committed to working together for the protection of child rights
Village-Level Child Marriage Prevention Awareness Programmes
- Awareness programmes were conducted in various villages of Beed and Dharashiv districts to prevent child marriage
- Communities were sensitized about the legal, social, physical, and psychological impacts of child marriage
- Information was shared on the Child Marriage Prohibition Act, 2006, legal consequences, and complaint mechanisms
- Awareness was created about Child Helpline 1098 and Police Emergency Service 112
- Local religious and social leaders, Anganwadi workers, teachers, police officials, and Gram Sevaks actively participated
- Special initiatives were planned to improve school attendance and retention, especially for girls
Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Campaign – Collective Action
- Village-level awareness campaigns were conducted to promote the Child Marriage Prohibition Act, 2006
- Activities included morning rallies, wall paintings, community discussions, engagement with women’s self-help groups, and dialogue with local leaders
- On 27 November 2024, Yuva Gram Vikas Mandal supported the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Campaign in collaboration with various government departments, promoting legal awareness and collective responsibility
Conclusion
Yuva Gram Vikas Mandal, Kej, in collaboration with the national network Just Rights for Children (JRC), is actively working in Beed and Dharashiv districts to protect child rights.
Through child marriage prevention, intervention in child sexual abuse cases, anti-trafficking efforts, and strengthening village-level protection systems, the organization has made significant contributions toward ensuring a safe, just, and secure future for children.
Key Achievements 2025-26
During the reporting year, Yuva Gram made significant strides in child protection and welfare across Dharashiv and Beed districts. Our interventions focused on preventing child marriage, combating child trafficking, addressing child sexual abuse, and linking families with vital social welfare schemes.
In Dharashiv, 32 trafficking cases were registered. A total of 304 child marriages were successfully prevented, safeguarding the future of vulnerable children. Furthermore, 5,448 families were connected to various government welfare schemes, ensuring access to essential services and entitlements. To strengthen community vigilance, 50 Child Welfare and Protection Committees were activated. Engagement with faith leaders was also prioritized, with 74 religious leaders pledging against child marriage, and awareness campaigns conducted in 50 religious places through banners and pamphlets.
In Beed, 61 trafficking cases were registered. Efforts led to the prevention of 301 child marriages, while 4,294 families were linked to government schemes. Community structures were reinforced with 50 Child Welfare and Protection Committees activated. Religious leaders played a crucial role, with 64 leaders pledging against child marriage, and awareness materials displayed in 50 religious places. Importantly, child sexual abuse cases received dedicated support, with 63 survivors provided legal and emotional assistance by a team of three trained support persons (two female and one male).
These achievements highlight Yuva Gram’s commitment to protecting children, empowering families, and mobilizing communities. By combining prevention, legal support, and awareness initiatives, we have created a strong foundation for sustainable child welfare and protection in Maharashtra.
