Chhattisgarh Balod Declared Free from Child Marriage

1. Historic Achievement

• The Balod, Chhattisgarh district has officially become the first child marriage district in India.
• This is part of the Child Marriage Free India campaign which was initiated on 27 August 2024.

2. Verification and Certification.

• This determination was made following the no cases reported within a two-year period.
• Grand total of 436 gram panchayats, 9 urban bodies in the district are duly certified.

3. Success Factors

• Extensive community participation was paramount, and panchayats, Anganwadi workers, and local families were the agents of awareness and compliance.
• UNICEF has played an important supporting role in terms of technical assistance, awareness and monitoring.

4. Government Awareness and Objectives.

• The target to turn the state of Chattisgarh child marriage-free was announced by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
• The success of the society-government mishmash was highlighted by the Women & Child Development Minister, Laxmi Rajwade.

5. Growth and National Significance.

• The trend is gaining momentum with 75 gram panchayats in Surajpur district also made child marriage free on the 75th birthday of PM Modi.
• This has become a national standard on reform in social terms and illustrates how strong a community working together with government can be.
• Some of the crucial facts about Chhattisgarh are as follows.
  • Chief Minister: Vishnu Deo Sai.
  • Capital: Raipur
  • National Parks: Indravati, Kanger Valley, Guru Ghasidas (Sanjay)
  • Power Sector Achievement: Since its establishment in 2000, the power capacity in the state has increased 30,000 MW after the formation of the state with a starting capacity of 1,400 MW.