India, Aug. 14 -- Karnataka's Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar on Wednesday announced the rollout of a new initiative called the 'Akka Force', a dedicated team aimed at preventing child pregnancies and child marriages.

The initiative will begin operations on a pilot basis in Mysuru, Belagavi, and Mangaluru starting August 15.

Hebbalkar made the announcement in the Legislative Assembly while responding to a question raised by JD(S) floor leader C B Suresh Babu, who expressed concern over the "rising incidents of child pregnancies" in the state.

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"Our government has taken several steps to prevent child pregnancies and marria...