- Changed picture of thousands of panchayats
- Child marriage free Chhattisgarh campaign is becoming an example of social change
The Child Marriage Free Chhattisgarh campaign, launched in Chhattisgarh with the safety, education and respect of daughters at its core, is now becoming a major example of social change. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, the state government has transformed this campaign into a massive movement of public participation, not just a government scheme. Through awareness and social participation in every village, concrete results are continuously emerging towards effective control of the evil practice of child marriage. The aim of this campaign, which started on March 10, 2024, is not only to stop child marriage, but also to develop a positive thinking towards daughters in the society.
Under the guidance of Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade, Anganwadi workers, Panchayat representatives, teachers, Mitanins, and women’s self-help groups are continuously engaged in raising awareness at the grassroots level. This is why the campaign is now moving beyond an administrative program and becoming a part of social consciousness.
The state government has set a goal of making all of Chhattisgarh child marriage-free by 2028-29. Under a phased plan, 40 percent of gram panchayats and urban bodies are slated to be declared child marriage-free by 2025-26, 60 percent by 2026-27, 80 percent by 2027-28, and all gram panchayats and urban bodies by 2028-29. The campaign’s progress has also been encouraging.
By March 31, 2026, 7,498 of the state’s 11,693 gram panchayats have been declared child marriage-free, representing approximately 64 percent of the total. Of the 196 urban bodies, 85 have been included in this category.
Balod district has achieved the greatest achievement in this direction, declaring itself completely free of child marriage. This success, achieved through the combined efforts of the administration and society, is now becoming an inspiration for other districts.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai has consistently conveyed the message that educated and self-reliant daughters will be the foundation of a developed Chhattisgarh. With this vision in mind, the government is prioritizing schemes related to girls’ education, health, nutrition, and safety.
Early marriage impacts girls’ education, increases health risks, and limits their future prospects. This is why the campaign is continuously raising awareness among adolescent girls and parents to bring about lasting change in society.
Thanks to an effective model of panchayat-based public participation, continuous monitoring, and social awareness, the Child Marriage Free Chhattisgarh campaign is now becoming a topic of discussion at the national level. This effort by the state government is not limited to eliminating a social evil; it is emerging as a comprehensive commitment to the respect and empowerment of daughters.