Over 400 teenage pregnancies per month a concern in Chittoor: Collector Sumit Kumar

Chittoor: District Collector Sumit Kumar said that more than 400 teenage pregnancy cases are being reported in Chittoor district every month cautioning that it is a matter of serious concern. He directed all departments to work in coordination and take proactive steps to prevent child marriages and teenage pregnancies.

Addressing officials on the occasion of Poshan Maah-2026 on Wednesday, the Collector said child marriages and teenage pregnancies were closely linked and had a serious impact on girls’ health, nutrition, education and future. He asked officials to understand their responsibilities under the law and take timely action to prevent such cases.

Special attention should be given to vulnerable areas, including Kuppam, some forest villages, Palamaner, Peddapanjani, Palasamudram and villages along the district border. At the village level, ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, ANMs and self-help group members should remain alert and immediately inform the authorities about any possible child marriage. He stressed the need for coordination among the revenue, education, health, ICDS, DRDA-DWCRA and police departments.

The Collector announced a three-month special awareness campaign on child marriages and teenage pregnancies. During the campaign, discussions on the issue should be made mandatory at every self-help group meeting. Girls and parents should be made aware of the health risks associated with teenage pregnancy and the legal consequences of child marriage.

Sumit Kumar said poverty, lack of awareness, social and cultural factors, inadequate fear of legal action and weak field-level monitoring were some of the reasons contributing to the problem. Field-level officials should identify vulnerable areas and submit regular reports.

Local MLA Gurajala Jagan Mohan said families should give greater importance to nutritious food and include vegetables, leafy greens, fruits, millets, pulses and other protein-rich foods in their daily diet. He said steps were being taken to improve basic facilities at Anganwadi centres. On this occasion, Srimantham and Annaprasana programmes were also conducted for pregnant women and children.

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The Hans India