National Development Push: Government Launches 100-Day Campaign to Eradicate Child Marriage

In a major national initiative aimed at protecting vulnerable children and strengthening social development indicators, the Ministry of Women & Child Development (MWCD) on 5 December 2025 launched a 100-day intensive nationwide campaign to eliminate child marriage. According to Saachibaat, the campaign seeks to mobilise communities, local governments, schools, and civil society organisations to create mass awareness about the legal, social, and developmental consequences of child marriage.

This initiative comes at a time when multiple states continue to report cases of underage marriages, especially among girls, despite existing laws such as the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA) 2006. The 100-day campaign aims to strengthen ground-level vigilance, empower communities, and accelerate behavioural change.

Why the Campaign Matters for India’s Social Policy

Tackling a Persistent Social Challenge

Child marriage remains a deeply entrenched social issue in parts of rural and semi-urban India. While national prevalence has declined over the last decade, millions of girls continue to face risks associated with early marriage — including school dropout, early pregnancy, domestic violence, and long-term health implications.

The new campaign places a strong emphasis on:

• Community sensitisation through schools, anganwadis, panchayats and self-help groups
• Strengthening enforcement of PCMA through local authorities
• Involving frontline workers such as ASHAs, anganwadi workers and counsellors
• Spreading digital and grassroots awareness via social media, campaigns, workshops and outreach events

The initiative also focuses on inter-departmental convergence, ensuring coordination between health, education, police, and child protection agencies.

Long-Term Impact: Education, Empowerment and Social Justice

Ending Child Marriage as a Catalyst for Development

Curtailing child marriage is crucial for improving India’s education outcomes, especially for girls. Studies show that preventing early marriage directly boosts the likelihood of girls completing secondary and higher education, participating in the workforce, and achieving economic independence.

From a health perspective, delaying marriage reduces risks related to early pregnancy, maternal mortality, malnutrition, and stunting among children. It also contributes to breaking cycles of poverty and dependency.

The campaign aligns with India’s broader goals of:

• Gender equality (SDG 5)
• Quality education (SDG 4)
• Improved health outcomes (SDG 3)
• Social justice and constitutional values