Chief Minister Sai launches ‘Bal Vivah Mukt Chhattisgarh’ Abhiyan

Raipur. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai launched the ‘Bal Vivah Mukt Chhattisgarh Abhiyan at the Science College ground in Raipur . During the event, the Chief Minister signed the pledge board to end child marriage in Chhattisgarh. The campaign will be conducted in the state with the support of UNICEF through the Women and Child Development Department. Chief Minister unveiled the brochure of ‘Bal Vivah Mukt Chhattisgarh Abhiyan’ and urged women to pledge against child marriage. On this occasion, a large number of dignitaries, including Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Rajwade, were present.

In the presence of Chief Minister Sai, people’s representatives and women vow to oppose the pervasive evil of child marriage in society and raise awareness among the public to prevent child marriage.

It is noteworthy that, according to the National Family Health Survey-5 report, 12.1% of girls in Chhattisgarh are married before the age of 18. Surajpur district has the highest incidence at 34.28%, followed by Balrampur at 24.60%, Koriya district at 22.89%, and Jashpur district at 21.90%. Taking into account these figures on child marriage, the state government launched ‘Bal Vivah Mukt Chhattisgarh Abhiyan . Through this campaign, considering public participation as the fundamental principle, a movement against child marriage will be initiated in the state. Active involvement of representatives from Panchayati Raj Institutions, Urban Local Bodies, community leaders, voluntary organisations, women’s groups, youth organisations, government departments, non-governmental organisations, and the general public will be ensured. Over the next three years, efforts will be made to end child marriage in Chhattisgarh with the people’s participation. Social awareness, youth empowerment, and media sensitization will be emphasised, along with raising public awareness about the provisions of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.