Centre to launch 100-day drive against child marriage today

The occasion marks one year of the national initiative to end child marriage. The Ministry had launched the ‘Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat’ initiative on November 27, 2024, and the new campaign aims to build on the work done during the first year and expand action at the community and institutional levels.

Union Women and Child Development Minister Annpurna Devi will launch the programme in the presence of Minister of State Savitri Thakur. The event will include a national pledge to end child marriage, a film on stories of change from different states, and testimonies from frontline workers involved in prevention efforts.

The 100-day campaign will follow a three-part plan to reach schools, communities, local bodies, and service providers involved in marriage-related practices.

The first phase – to be observed from November 27 to December 31 -- will focus on awareness activities in educational institutions. Schools, colleges, and universities will hold debates, essay competitions, interactive sessions and pledge ceremonies in this regard.

The second phase, from January 1 to January 31, will involve meetings and awareness sessions with religious leaders, community influencers and marriage service providers. The third phase, from February 1 to March 8, will involve gram panchayats and municipal wards.

The campaign will be implemented with support from the Ministries of Health and Family Welfare, Panchayati Raj, Rural Development, and Education.