TFP Bureau, Raipur, September 30, 2025: In a landmark achievement under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Child Marriage-Free India campaign, Chhattisgarh has set a national example by eradicating child marriage in Balod district, which has now been officially declared the country’s first child marriage-free district. Certificates have been issued to all 436 gram panchayats and nine urban bodies of Balod, marking a historic step toward social reform.
Balod sets the standard for the nation
Over the past two years, no cases of child marriage have been reported in Balod. After thorough verification and legal scrutiny, the district was certified child marriage-free. Balod Collector Smt. Divya Umesh Mishra attributed the success to the collective efforts of the administration, elected representatives, Anganwadi workers, and local communities. She emphasized that this milestone was possible only through widespread public cooperation and grassroots participation.
Surajpur makes significant progress
Adding to this historic moment, 75 gram panchayats of Surajpur district have also earned the status of child marriage-free zones. This announcement, made on Prime Minister Modi’s 75th birthday, underlines the state’s commitment to ending the practice. For the past two years, no instances of child marriage have been reported from these panchayats, further strengthening the campaign’s momentum.
A social pledge beyond governance
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai reaffirmed the state’s resolve to eliminate child marriage entirely by 2028-29. “This is not just a government campaign but a pledge for social change. Ending child marriage is among the top priorities of our government, and we will continue to accelerate this process across districts. In areas where no cases are reported for two consecutive years, we will issue certificates and declare them child marriage-free,” he said.
Society and government as equal partners
Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade described the achievement as a source of inspiration for the entire country. “Balod’s success shows that when society and government work hand in hand, social evils like child marriage can be uprooted. The achievement of Surajpur further reinforces this direction,” she said. She also acknowledged the role of UNICEF, which provided technical assistance, awareness support, and monitoring systems to strengthen the campaign.
National recognition and future roadmap
Chhattisgarh’s success has been hailed as a milestone in the nationwide movement to eliminate child marriage. Experts note that by combining strong community participation with education and awareness, the state has set a model that other regions can emulate. The government is now preparing to replicate this success across all districts in a phased manner.
By targeting 2028-29 for making the entire state child marriage-free, Chhattisgarh is not only leading from the front but also bringing the country closer to realizing the vision of a Child Marriage-Free India.
