Rajasthan is all set to curb child marriages happening in the state by starting a check-up drive before Akshaya Tritiya. Akshaya Tritiya being one of the few auspicious occasions in India, many marriages are scheduled on this very day.

In Rajasthan, especially where the average of child marriage is high as compared to other states, child marriages take place on a larger scale on Akshay Tritiya. To avoid the same, the department of women and child development has directed officials to visit Ganesha temples on a daily basis.

Officials are given an order to check marriage invitations which are offered at the temples during the auspicious period falling between April 28 and May 9. Out of the various marriages they will track those who are suspected to be child marriages. This is among the several initiatives taken by the department to prevent such illegal marriages.

As per the report in the Times of India, "In Hindu faith, all auspicious occasions start with the blessings of Lord Ganesha. It's a very popular practice by families to send their first invitation card to Ganesha. So, our officials will be able to track the printer and bride/groom through these invitations," said Anita Bhadel, minister, department of women and child development.

She said that if these cards do not print the age of bride and groom, the printer would invite punitive action. "Our officials have been directed to inform the police if they find any invite of marriages of minors. It is the duty of the local district administration to take action on time," said Bhadel to district collectors.

Every year the department and police take regular drives to reduce child marriages.The department has also taken help of religious leaders from different communities as they have a big role in reforming the society.

The department has shortlisted those castes and communities which are highly vulnerable to child marriages.There will be check up on girls having mehndis and haldis on their hands and also those girls who are missing for more than three days.