National Campaign Against Child Marriage Launched

The Government of India has launched a national campaign named Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat to eradicate child marriage. This initiative was revealed by Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Annapurna Devi, in New Delhi. The campaign aims to empower girls and enforce the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. The launch coincided with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, denoting the urgency of this issue.

Context of the Campaign

Child marriage remains challenge in India. Despite progress, reports indicate that one in five girls is married before the legal age of 18. The campaign targets seven states with high child marriage rates. These include West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Tripura, Assam, and Andhra Pradesh.

Features of the Campaign

A key feature of the campaign is the launch of the Child Marriage Free Bharat portal. This platform allows citizens to report incidents of child marriage and access information about Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs). The portal aims to empower individuals and enhance the enforcement of existing laws.

Achievements and Goals

The campaign builds on previous successes, such as the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative. Since the introduction of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, child marriages in India have halved from 47.4% to 23.3%. The government aims to reduce child marriage rates below 5% by 2029.

Community Involvement

The campaign encourages community participation. It calls on citizens, NGOs, and local bodies to work together to eliminate child marriage. The involvement of District Collectors and community leaders is crucial for grassroots awareness and action.

Focus on Education and Empowerment

The campaign aligns with the National Education Policy 2020, which prioritises gender equality. Education is essential for empowering girls and preventing child marriages. The government emphasises the need for girls to receive proper education, health care, and protection.

Role of Stakeholders

The campaign requires a coordinated effort from various stakeholders. This includes government officials, social organisations, and citizens. The participation of CMPOs and local leaders is vital for implementing the campaign’s strategies effectively.

Success Stories

The campaign marks inspiring stories of young girls who have successfully avoided child marriage. These stories showcase the resilience and determination of individuals who have fought against this practice, encouraging others to join the movement.

Future Directions

The Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat campaign will continue to engage citizens through various channels. It seeks to ensure that the goal of a child marriage-free India becomes a collective responsibility.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the role of education in preventing child marriages in India.
2. Critically discuss the effectiveness of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 in contemporary society.
3. Discuss in the light of recent campaigns, the significance of community involvement in eradicating child marriage.
4. Analyse the impact of socio-economic factors on the prevalence of child marriage in rural India.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the role of education in preventing child marriages in India.

1. Education empowers girls by providing knowledge and skills, enabling them to make informed choices.
2. Increased educational attainment correlates with delayed marriage age and improved socio-economic status.
3. Government initiatives like the National Education Policy 2020 prioritize gender equality in education.
4. Educated girls are more likely to advocate against child marriage within their communities.
5. Access to education encourages awareness of legal rights and the importance of personal development.

2. Critically discuss the effectiveness of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 in contemporary society.

1. The Act has contributed to reduction in child marriage rates, halving from 47.4% to 23.3% since its introduction.
2. Implementation challenges remain, such as social norms and enforcement at local levels.
3. Awareness campaigns are essential to educate communities about the Act and its implications.
4. Legal penalties for violators need to be more rigorously enforced to deter child marriages.
5. Collaboration with NGOs and community leaders is crucial for effective implementation and monitoring.

3. Discuss in the light of recent campaigns, the significance of community involvement in eradicating child marriage.

1. Community involvement encourages local ownership of the issue, leading to more effective grassroots solutions.
2. Campaigns like Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat encourage collective action and awareness at the community level.
3. Local leaders and NGOs play a vital role in mobilizing resources and support for affected families.
4. Community programs can provide education and support services, reducing the incidence of child marriage.
5. Success stories from local champions inspire others to take action against child marriage.

4. Analyse the impact of socio-economic factors on the prevalence of child marriage in rural India.

1. Poverty often drives families to marry off daughters early to reduce economic burden.
2. Lack of access to education and healthcare in rural areas perpetuates cycles of child marriage.
3. Social norms and traditions in rural communities can reinforce the practice of early marriage.
4. Economic empowerment of women through skilling and employment opportunities can reduce child marriage rates.
5. Government interventions, such as financial incentives for education, can mitigate socio-economic pressures.