KATHMANDU: A total of 38 reports related to child marriage were registered through the child helpline service in Koshi Province during the first 10 months (July 17, 2025 to May 14, 2026) of the current fiscal year 2025/26, according to official data.

The complaints were received through the 1098 toll-free helpline operated by the Lost Children Search Coordination Center. Child rights activist Suman Adhikari said the reports came from only 4 out of 14 districts in the province.

District-wise, Morang recorded the highest with 24 cases, followed by Sunsari (11), Ilam (2), and Udayapur (1).

Adhikari said cases reported via helplines are addressed through coordination with government and non-government agencies for rescue, protection, and rehabilitation of affected children.

He noted that although the 2021 National Census recorded 9,713 child marriage cases in Koshi Province, recent awareness efforts through child clubs and community networks are helping reduce incidents and improve reporting.