Launch of this campaign is not just an event; it is a mission to eradicate child marriage and empower every daughter in our nation: Annapurna Devi
Child Marriage Free Bharat Portal launched; Pledge taken against child marriage in the event
NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 27, 2024: In a significant step towards eradicating child marriage and empowering young girls across the nation, the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Annapurna Devi, launched the national campaign “Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat” today in New Delhi. The event also saw the presence of Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Smt. Savitri Thakur, and other distinguished officials and stakeholders.
As part of the campaign, the Minister also inaugurated the Child Marriage Free Bharat Portal, an innovative online platform that enables citizens to report child marriage incidents, file complaints, and access information about Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) nationwide. The portal is a significant step in empowering citizens and enforcing the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.
In her keynote address, the Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi emphasized the significant strides made in the empowerment of women, citing the improvement in the sex ratio at birth from 918 in 2014-15 to 930 in 2023-24. She reaffirmed that under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, marriages involving girls under 18 and boys under 21 are strictly prohibited, with severe penalties for violators. The Minister also highlighted the success in preventing over a lakh of child marriages last year and acknowledged India’s contribution to the global reduction in child marriage rates, as recognized by the United Nations.
She further added that this campaign aims to empower our daughters by ensuring they receive the education, health, and protection they deserve. In line with the National Education Policy 2020, which prioritizes gender equality, our government continues to implement initiatives that support girls’ education and social empowerment. The launch of this campaign is not just an event; it is a mission to eradicate child marriage and empower every daughter in our nation. We must ensure that every girl is educated, safe, and free to pursue her dreams. As we work towards a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, let us unite to empower every girl and prevent child marriage.
The launch coincides with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global movement running from 25th November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10th December (Human Rights Day). Building on the success of flagship initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, the campaign seeks to inspire collective action against child marriage.
The Minister of State, Smt. Savitri Thakur, recognized the important role of initiatives such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana in raising awareness. She added that the achievement of this vision requires the collective effort of the government, officials, social organizations, and citizens alike.
he campaign aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, focusing on the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women and girls in all spheres of life. A coordinated effort between the government and society is crucial to eliminating child marriage and unlocking the potential of every girl.
he campaign aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, focusing on the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women and girls in all spheres of life. A coordinated effort between the government and society is crucial to eliminating child marriage and unlocking the potential of every girl.
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