Women & Child Development Minister Annpurna Devi launched a 100-day intensive awareness campaign on Dec 4, 2025, targeting 10% child marriage prevalence by 2026 and zero by 2030. Phased outreach via schools, faith leaders, and panchayats unites stakeholders against this social scourge robbing girls' futures.
Campaign Launch
At Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, Minister Devi kickstarted the "Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat" drive, marking one year of national efforts. Framing child marriage as a "crime against humanity" that denies education and fuels early maternity, she administered a nationwide pledge. The campaign runs till March 8, 2026 (International Women's Day), rallying states, NGOs, and communities for zero tolerance.
Phased Strategy
Three spells amplify impact: Phase 1 (Nov-Dec) engages schools/colleges with debates and pledges; Phase 2 (Jan) mobilizes faith leaders and service providers; Phase 3 (Feb-Mar) pushes panchayats for "child marriage-free" resolutions. Backed by ministries like Health and Panchayati Raj, it builds on 1 lakh prevented marriages and 6.3 lakh girls re-enrolled. Activist Bhuwan Ribhu hailed the "tipping point" momentum.
Key Highlights
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Targets: 10% prevalence by 2026; zero by 2030.
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Timeline: Dec 4, 2025–Mar 8, 2026 (100 days).
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Phases: Schools, faith leaders, local governance.
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Progress: 1L marriages stopped; 36K prohibition officers active.
Sources: New Indian Express, NDTV, PIB