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Eradicate Child Marriages
In a bold push toward a child marriage-free nation, the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) is set to unveil a 100-day intensive awareness campaign tomorrow.
Dubbed “Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat,” this renewed drive marks the first anniversary of the original initiative and aims to rally communities, educators, and leaders in a nationwide stand against the harmful practice of child marriage.
The launch event, scheduled for December 4, 2025, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, will be led by Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi, alongside Minister of State Smt. Savitri Thakur.
Attendees can expect a poignant lineup, featuring the National Pledge to End Child Marriage, a documentary film showcasing real-life success stories from diverse regions, and heartfelt testimonies from grassroots activists.
For those unable to attend in person, a live telecast will stream on the official government portal at webcast.gov.in/mwcd.
This campaign is not starting from scratch.
Launched on November 27, 2024, the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat mission has already notched significant wins.
According to ministry data, nearly 200,000 child marriages were prevented in the past year alone, contributing to South Asia’s sharpest global decline in such rates.
However, challenges persist.
The National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) reports a prevalence of 23.3% as of 2019-21, a decline from 47.4% two decades ago, but still unacceptably high, with one in five girls married before the age of 18.
High-burden states, such as Bihar, Rajasthan, and West Bengal, along with over 300 districts that exceed national averages, remain focal points.
A Phased Roadmap For Lasting Change
The 100-day sprint, running from November 27, 2025, to March 8, 2026, unfolds in three strategic “spells” to build momentum from awareness to action.
Coordinated with ministries of Health, Panchayati Raj, Rural Development, and Education, it promises grassroots penetration.
- Spell 1 (November 27–December 31, 2025): Targets youth hubs with school and college events. Expect debates, essay contests, interactive workshops, and mass pledge-taking to spark conversations among the next generation.
- Spell 2 (Jan 1–31, 2026): Shifts to influencers, faith leaders, community elders, and even marriage service providers. The goal? Amplify messages on child rights, safety, and girl empowerment through trusted voices.
- Spell 3 (February 1–March 8, 2026): Empowers local governance. Gram Panchayats and municipal wards will be urged to adopt formal resolutions declaring their areas child-marriage-free, creating enforceable community pacts.
Early buzz on X (formerly Twitter) shows enthusiasm building.
Posts from regional PIB handles and NGOs, such as Bihar Gram Vikas Parishad, highlight school drives already underway in districts like Sheohar, with officials joining students for awareness sessions.
A viral thread from PIB India describes it as a “call to action” for every citizen, garnering quick shares.
Why This Matters: Beyond Awareness To Empowerment
Child marriage is not just a cultural relic; it is a rights violation that traps girls in cycles of poverty, health risks, and lost opportunities.
By 2029, the MWCD aims to slash rates below 5%, aligning with Supreme Court directives for a “whole-of-society” approach.
The campaign builds on tools like the Child Marriage Free Bharat portal, launched last year, which has streamlined reporting to prohibition officers nationwide.
What sets this apart? It is not top-down preaching but a collaborative weave of education, faith, and local resolve.
In states like Manipur, where over 100 cases have been reported recently, similar drives are emerging, demonstrating scalability.
For readers in high-risk areas, this is your cue: Report via the portal, host a local pledge, or amplify on social media.
As Minister Devi noted at the original launch, “This is a mission to empower every daughter.”
India’s journey to a Viksit Bharat by 2047 hinges on such steps, unlocking girls’ potential through education and choice.
With tomorrow’s launch, the momentum feels unstoppable. Join the pledge; the future thanks you.
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