The Ministry of Women and Child Development today launched a 100-day intensive awareness campaign aimed at creating a Child Marriage-Free India. The campaign was unveiled at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on the first anniversary of the Child Marriage-Free India initiative. Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi led the event in the presence of Minister of State Savitri Thakur.
Annapurna Devi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building an India “where every daughter and every son can shape their future with dignity, safety and equal rights.” Calling child marriage a serious legal offence and a moral wrong, she highlighted improvements in child sex ratio, increased enrolment of girls in education, and the broader empowerment of women and girls.
The Minister shared that the government has allocated ₹1,827 crore for scholarships to ensure continuity in girls’ education. She added that Indian girls now form 43% of the STEM workforce—one of the highest in the world. She acknowledged the contribution of Anganwadi workers, self-help groups, ASHAs, ANMs, teachers, counsellors, One-Stop Centres and civil society organisations in making progress against child marriage. She urged States and UTs to work towards bringing down its prevalence to near zero.
Minister of State Savitri Thakur emphasised the community-driven nature of the movement. She said eliminating child marriage is essential for building a strong, developed India rooted in collective vigilance and social responsibility. Thakur highlighted the crucial role of Panchayats, religious leaders and youth networks in timely reporting and prevention. She also cited flagship schemes like Beti Bachao–Beti Padhao, PMMVY, POSHAN Abhiyaan and One-Stop Centres as critical supports ensuring safety, nutrition and empowerment of girls.
WCD Secretary Anil Malik presented updates on the enhanced Child Marriage-Free India portal, now accessible to over 38,000 Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) across the country. Citizens can track district-level progress, review actions taken and take an online pledge. More than 26 lakh citizens and frontline workers have already participated directly in campaign activities, reflecting rising community ownership.
The launch included a national pledge, a special film showcasing grassroots changemakers and live participation from more than 1.32 lakh devices via webcast. CMPOs, ASHAs, ANMs and civil society partners also shared field experiences.
About the 100-Day Campaign (27 Nov 2025 – 8 March 2026)
The nationwide campaign follows a structured three-phase strategy:
Phase 1 (27 Nov – 31 Dec 2025):
Awareness activities in schools, colleges and universities—debates, essay competitions, interactive sessions and pledge ceremonies.
Phase 2 (1 – 31 Jan 2026):
Engagement with religious leaders, community influencers and wedding service providers to amplify messages on child rights, protection and empowerment.
Phase 3 (1 Feb – 8 March 2026):
Encouraging Gram Panchayats and municipal wards to pass resolutions declaring their jurisdictions child-marriage-free.
This national effort is being implemented in coordination with the Ministries of Health & Family Welfare, Panchayati Raj, Rural Development and Education to ensure convergence and deep grassroots reach.
The Ministry has urged citizens, institutions and community leaders across the country to join the campaign and reaffirm India’s commitment to building a Child Marriage-Free India.
