The Bal VivahMukt Bharat campaign has garnered remarkable support across Assam, with thousands participating in programs led by the Just Rights for Children (JRC) alliance. Spanning 28 districts and 3,900 villages, the campaign engaged stakeholders from police officers to child marriage survivors in marches, awareness drives, and pledges to combat the practice.
The JRC alliance, a collective of over 250 NGOs, has prevented over 2.5 lakh child marriages nationwide, including significant interventions in Assam. The state, where 31.8% of women aged 20-24 were married before 18, remains a key focus area for the campaign, which aims to change societal norms and improve workforce participation among women.
In Guwahati, the campaign found a strong base, with bustling markets and schools amplifying its message. Retailers, local leaders, and residents collaborated to highlight the economic repercussions of child marriage, which limits girls’ educational and professional opportunities. This urban engagement underscored the city’s role as a hub for social and economic progress in Assam. Launched by Union Minister Annpurna Devi, the campaign is expected to reach 25 crore citizens nationwide. With a dedicated reporting portal and grassroots outreach, Assam is set to strengthen its resolve to end child marriage, driving both social reform and economic growth.
