Ballari Deputy Commissioner Nagendra Prasad has taken strong steps against ongoing child marriages in the district. Speaking at a district review meeting, he ordered all departments to strictly enforce the law and work together to stop child marriages. He called child marriage "a clear violation of the law" and urged widespread awareness campaigns about the penalties. Zilla Panchayat CEO Mohammed Haris Sumair highlighted frequent cases in Sandur and Ballari taluks like Choranoor, Bandri, Metriki, Vittalapur, Taranagar, and Shidaginamola. He raised concerns about pregnant women in these areas weighing as little as 35 kg. Deputy Commissioner Prasad instructed officials to meet with all Deputy Superintendents of Police to ensure village leaders, religious places, community halls, wedding venues, and tent suppliers must inform the District Child Protection Unit of any marriage ceremonies. This will help catch underage marriages early. He also ordered the child helpline number 1098 to be added on smart cards issued at residential schools alongside parents' contacts. This allows children to seek help independently. Schools must check why girl students are absent as it may signal child marriage. Prasad stressed that FIRs must be filed immediately on any child marriage reports. He reminded district officers they are also child marriage prohibition officers and must cooperate fully. The Deputy Commissioner emphasized improving SSLC results. Officials with strong academic records are assigned to visit schools twice a month to guide teachers and address weaknesses. He also ordered the Women and Child Development Department to ensure timely payments under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana for pregnant and nursing women, warning of penalties for delays. The meeting included Senior Civil Judge Rajesh N. Hosamane, Additional SP Naveen Kumar, Deputy Director Ramakrishna, Child Protection Officer Subhadradevi, Child Welfare Committee Chairperson Triveni Pattar, and NGO representatives.