The Government of India has launched the “Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Campaign” (Child Marriage-Free India Campaign), a nationwide initiative to eliminate child marriages and empower girls to achieve their full potential. Spearheaded by Union Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi, the campaign also includes the introduction of a dedicated portal to enhance monitoring and enforcement efforts against child marriage.
This landmark initiative builds on the success of programs like “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao”, reflecting India’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and futures of its young girls.
Key Objectives of the Child Marriage-Free India Campaign
The campaign aims to:
- Reduce child marriage prevalence below 5% by 2029.
- Prioritize intervention in states and districts with the highest child marriage rates.
- Strengthen legal frameworks to ensure the minimum marriage age of 18 years is uniformly enforced.
- Equip girls with education, safety, and opportunities to prevent early marriages.
Progress under “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” and Its Impact
Over the past decade, the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative has transformed societal attitudes towards valuing the girl child. Speaking at the campaign launch, Minister Annapurna Devi highlighted:
“This progress is a testament to the collective shift in our attitudes towards valuing the girl child. The next step is ensuring that practices like child marriage no longer hinder her growth and dreams.”
India has received global recognition for its efforts, with the United Nations crediting the country as a major contributor to the reduction of child marriages in South Asia.
Targeting High-Burden Areas: Focus States and Districts
Despite significant progress, child marriages remain prevalent in some regions. The campaign focuses on seven high-burden states:
- West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Tripura, Assam, and Andhra Pradesh.
Additionally, 300 districts where child marriage rates exceed the national average will be prioritized for intervention.
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Child Marriage Statistics
- 2006: 47.4% prevalence rate of child marriages.
- 2019-21: Decline to 23.3%, according to government data.
- 2029 Target: Reduce the prevalence rate to below 5%.
Key Features of the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Portal
The newly launched portal is central to the campaign, providing a streamlined platform to monitor and prevent child marriages.
Portal Highlights:
- Reporting Mechanism: A user-friendly interface for victims and witnesses to report child marriages.
- Awareness: Comprehensive information on child marriage laws and resources for public education.
- Oversight: Enhanced monitoring of Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) to ensure effective intervention and legal support.
Strengthening Legal Frameworks
The campaign advocates for legislative amendments to enforce a uniform marriage age of 18 years, without exceptions. This aligns with the recent Supreme Court ruling that emphasizes the supremacy of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act over personal laws.
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Community-Driven Solutions
Recognizing gaps in enforcement, the government plans to:
- Tailor preventive measures to regional needs.
- Foster better coordination across education, health, and law enforcement sectors.
- Empower communities through grassroots initiatives like Nari Adalats (women’s courts).
Holistic Approach to Addressing Child Marriage
The campaign adopts a multi-faceted strategy to address the root causes of child marriage, focusing on:
- Education: Ensuring girls stay in school through initiatives like the National Education Policy (NEP).
- Health and Financial Security: Providing healthcare and financial aid to vulnerable families.
- Gender Awareness: Promoting gender-inclusive communication to challenge biases.
Role of Media and Public Participation
Minister Annapurna Devi credited the media for raising awareness about the campaign, emphasizing its role in mobilizing grassroots support.
Citizen Participation
The government encourages citizens to:
- Pledge against child marriage.
- Report cases to local authorities.
- Ensure their communities remain child marriage-free.
“Empowering girls is crucial to building a brighter future for India. This campaign ensures that every girl is given the chance to contribute meaningfully to our nation’s growth,” Devi said.
Conclusion: Towards a Child Marriage-Free India
The “Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Campaign” is a significant step in India’s vision for women-led development. By empowering girls, eliminating child marriages, and creating safer environments, the government aims to foster a society where every girl can achieve her dreams and contribute to the nation’s progress.
For students preparing for competitive exams, this campaign highlights the government’s efforts in social reform, gender equality, and child rights, offering valuable insights for topics like women’s empowerment, public policies, and sustainable development.
