In News:

• "Comics Commandos" is an innovative initiative launched in Goalpara district, Assam, aimed at combating child labour and child marriage through the creative medium of comics.
• The initiative trains 30 local youths to create comic strips that use humour and minimal text for effective communication and public engagement.

Purpose and Objectives:

• Primary Goal: To raise awareness about child labour and child marriage, two major social issues prevalent in the region, by using visual storytelling.
• The initiative aims to resonate with the local community, focusing on everyday struggles like economic hardship, child abuse, and the social norms that perpetuate these issues.
• Rising Dropout Rates: Assam has witnessed an increase in school dropout rates, from 3.3% in 2020-21 to 6.02% in 2021-22, exacerbated by economic pressures like poverty, which force children to work or marry early.

Execution and Approach:

• Training: Thirty local youths are trained to design caricatures and doodles for the comics, ensuring the messages are both simple and engaging for a broader audience.
• Visual Storytelling: The use of visuals over text helps overcome literacy barriers and makes the message more impactful and accessible.
• Community Involvement: The program collaborates with teachers and school committees to facilitate wider participation and support in creating social awareness.

Government Support:

• Chief Minister HimantaBiswaSarma initiated a state-wide campaign in 2023 against child marriage, with the ambitious goal of eradicating it by 2026. This initiative aligns with the state's broader efforts to address social issues.

Impact of the Initiative:

• Comics Commandos is being seen as an effective tool for community empowerment and awareness generation in a region that faces persistent social challenges.
• By involving local youths in the campaign, the initiative ensures community participation and ensures that the message is communicated in a culturally relevant manner.
• The program also empowers young people to use their creativity for social change, thus helping build leadership and social responsibility among the youth.