Maharashtra's Thane district begins campaign to eliminate child marriage

Thane District Collector Dr Shrikrishna Panchal inaugurated a public awareness campaign against child marriage on Tuesday urging citizens to actively participate in efforts to eliminate the social practice reported news agency PTIThe districtlevel awareness programme held under the Child Marriage Free India Campaign was organised by the Women and Child Development Department in collaboration with the Maharashtra Social Development Trust MSVTSEVAEmphasising the need for collective vigilance Dr Panchal said Widespread social awareness is essential to stop child marriages If any suspicious activity related to child marriage is noticed citizens should immediately contact 1098 The administration will take all necessary actionAccording to officials 14 child marriage cases were recorded in Thane district between February and NovemberMinistry of Women and Child Development launches 100day Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat campaignThe 100Day Intensive Awareness Campaign for a Child Marriage Free Bharat was launched on December 4 at Vigyan Bhawan New Delhi marking one year of the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat campaign which was launched on November 27 2024 As per the release the launch event was attended by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development Annpurna Devi in the august presence of the Minister of State Savitri ThakurAccording to a press release the programme featured the National Pledge to End Child Marriage a specially produced film showcasing inspiring change stories from across the country and testimonies from frontline champions celebrating collective progress and strengthening momentum for the next phase of the mission A live telecast of the event was available on the webcast platform of the MinistryThe 100Day Campaign 27 November 2025 8 March 2026As stated in the release the campaign followed a structured threespell plan designed to energise communities and encourage sustained actionSpell 1 27 Nov ndash 31 Dec 2025 Awareness activities were conducted in schools colleges and universities including debates essay competitions interactive sessions and pledge ceremoniesSpell 2 1 ndash 31 Jan 2026 Engagements were held with faith leaders community influencers and marriage service providers to amplify messages on child rights safety and empowermentSpell 3 1 Feb ndash 8 Mar 2026 Gram panchayats and municipal wards were mobilised to pass resolutions declaring their jurisdictions childmarriagefreeThis national drive was implemented in close coordination with the ministries of health and family welfare panchayati raj rural development and education ensuring seamless collaboration and extensive grassroots reach Through this 100day campaign the Centre called upon citizens institutions and community leaders across the nation to join the movement and reaffirm Indiarsquos commitment to building a Child Marriage Free BharatWith PTI inputs