Ahead of Akshaya Tritiya, scheduled on April 20, the Madhya Pradesh government is increasing its measures to prevent child marriages. The state’s Women and Child Development Department has issued strict directives for vigilance during mass marriage ceremonies. These efforts are part of the ‘Child Marriage-Free India’ campaign led by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, aiming to eradicate child marriage and empower adolescent girls.
Madhya Pradesh has witnessed a decrease in child marriages in recent years, as per data from the National Family Health Survey. However, certain districts still face challenges, especially during significant events like Akshaya Tritiya, known for large community marriage ceremonies. To address this, authorities are enhancing surveillance in both rural and urban areas, deploying special teams to verify the ages of brides and grooms at mass marriage events and ensure compliance with legal regulations.
In an attempt to prevent child marriages, students in educational institutions will be educated about the negative impacts of early marriage. On April 20, elected representatives, including Sarpanchs and ward councillors, will pledge to combat child marriages publicly. Additionally, women from Self-Help Groups will engage in discussions to advise families against underage marriages at the grassroots level.
To further support these efforts, a list of girls under 18 will be compiled, and their families will receive regular counseling and monitoring by Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, Gram Kotwars, and Panchayat officials. The government has also instructed the promotion of helpline numbers and an online portal for reporting child marriage cases. Information teams, comprising teachers, health workers, and community representatives, will be established in every village and ward for close monitoring.
