Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur announced that the government, together with civil‑society partners, aims to make India free of child marriage by 2030. The statement was made at the inaugural session of a four‑day national consultation on child rights organised by Just Rights for Children at the Constitution Club, New Delhi, on 28 July 2026.
Key Developments
- The Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat campaign has been reinforced with new grassroots initiatives.
- More than 250 partner organisations from all 782 districts are participating in the consultation titled “Ensuring Child Rights, Potential and Prosperity”.
- Lavu Krishna Devarayalu, Convener of MPs for Children Forum, highlighted India’s model status and referred to his Private Member's Bill on safeguarding children from social‑media risks.
- Founder Bhuwan Ribhu reported that over the last three years the campaign has prevented more than 5.5 lakh child marriages.
Important Facts
- Goal: Reduce child‑marriage prevalence by 10% by 2026 and achieve a child‑marriage‑free India by 2030.
- The campaign was launched on 27 November 2024 and is coordinated with NGOs, local self‑governments and the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
- Volunteers from NGOs are described as “angels” for rescuing trafficked girls, underscoring the role of civil society in child protection.
- The consultation brings together representatives from more than 250 organisations, making it the largest coordinated effort on child rights to date.
Exam Relevance
Understanding the