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// XISS and UNICEF

XISS in Partnership

with UNICEF, Jharkhand

After three consecutive successful phases of the Sampark project, Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS) and UNICEF, Jharkhand are devoted, committed, and accountable to building upon the achievements of the project's initial phases. XISS and UNICEF, Jharkhand have partnered yet again for the forthcoming eleven months, spanning April 2024 to February 2025. Sampark – ‘Strengthening convergence and child protection mechanisms for reducing harmful social norms of child marriage and violence against children and women in select districts of Jharkhand’ is now in action. The primary objective of the Sampark IV project is to provide technical assistance aimed at ending child marriage and ending violence against children across 12 districts of Jharkhand. This includes the deployment of District Project Coordinators – Child Protection (DPC - CP) to bolster the efforts of the district administration in strengthening child protection mechanisms, shifting social norms of child marriage, and ensuring a nurturing childhood for all children.

Status of CM in Jharkhand

While Jharkhand boasts a rich mineral heritage, it, unfortunately, carries the stigma of a high prevalence of underage girls entering into marriage. Despite its natural wealth and cultural significance, this issue persists, drawing attention to the challenges faced in safeguarding the rights and well-being of young girls within the state.

Jharkhand ranks fourth highest among Indian states in terms of child marriage prevalence, according to National Family Health Survey (NFHS) V. Although it shifted from third to fourth position between NFHS IV and NFHS V, witnessing a decrease of approximately 5 percent, a concerning one-third of girls still get married before reaching the legal age. Seven districts in Jharkhand report child marriage rates exceeding 40%. Jharkhand also grapples with high levels of violence against children, as highlighted by the National Crime Register Bureau (NCRB) 2022 data, which recorded a total of 1005 Indian Penal Code crimes against children, 884 under the Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) Act, 11 under the Juvenile Justice Act, and 6 under the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act.

Our Efforts

  • Providing technical support and assistance to the district administration in implementing child protection mechanisms effectively
  • Meaningful engagement with various stakeholders
  • Orientation and training of stakeholders
  • Sensitization of the community on child protection laws and the ill effects of child marriages
  • Documentation of best practices