Thu May 22 14:09:36 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text followed by a rewritten news article:
**Summary:**
The article reports on efforts in the Dharwad district of Karnataka, India, to prevent child marriages. Chief Executive Officer of the Dharwad Zilla Panchayat, Bhuvanesh Patil, reports that 28 child marriages were prevented in 2024-2025, and 18 FIRs were filed. Measures are being taken to ensure victims receive education and support for self-employment. Officials are urged to provide counseling and identify successful individuals who escaped child marriage to serve as role models. Senior Civil Judge Parashuram Doddmani stressed the importance of awareness programs and immediate action upon receiving reports of child marriages, including reporting to higher police authorities if local police fail to act.
**News Article:**
**Dharwad District Prevents 28 Child Marriages in 2024-2025, Focus Shifts to Empowerment**
**HUBBALLI, Karnataka – May 22, 2025** – The Dharwad Zilla Panchayat is intensifying its efforts to eradicate child marriage in the district, announcing the prevention of 28 such unions in the past year. Chief Executive Officer Bhuvanesh Patil revealed the progress during a quarterly review meeting, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive support for victims.
“Beyond prevention, we are focused on empowering those affected by child marriage,” Patil stated. “This includes ensuring access to education, providing counseling, and facilitating opportunities for self-employment through government programs.” The district has also filed 18 First Information Reports (FIRs) related to child marriage cases.
Senior Civil Judge Parashuram Doddmani stressed the importance of awareness campaigns at the grassroots level, particularly within Gram Panchayats. He urged officials to act swiftly upon receiving information about potential child marriages. “Any report of a child marriage must be immediately verified, and a complaint lodged with the police,” Doddmani asserted. He further emphasized that any reluctance from local police to register an FIR should be escalated to the Superintendent of Police or Police Commissioner.
The district administration is committed to identifying individuals who have successfully escaped child marriage and attained success in higher education or other fields. These individuals will be invited to workshops to inspire others and demonstrate the possibilities available to those who break free from the cycle of child marriage.
First Piper 