Chhattisgarh’s Balod Becomes India’s First Officially Child Marriage-Free District

In a historic milestone for social reform, Balod district in Chhattisgarh has been officially declared as India’s first child marriage-free district. The recognition comes under the “Child Marriage Free India” campaign, launched nationwide on August 27, 2024.

The achievement reflects the collective effort of administration, panchayats, urban bodies, Anganwadi workers, and community members.

How Balod Achieved the Milestone

• Zero Cases in Two Years: No cases of child marriage were reported from the district over the past two years.
• Verification Process: After document checks and legal processes, all 436 gram panchayats and nine urban bodies of Balod were certified child marriage-free.
• Community Role: Local representatives and families actively participated in spreading awareness and ensuring compliance.

Divya Umesh Mishra, District Collector of Balod, stated that this success is a model for the entire country.

Government Recognition

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai hailed the development as a “historic achievement towards social reform”, announcing that the entire state aims to be child marriage-free by 2028-29.

The Women and Child Development Minister, Laxmi Rajwade, added that Balod’s achievement proves that the evil practice can be eradicated when society and government work together.

Wider Impact Across Chhattisgarh

• On PM Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday, 75 gram panchayats in Surajpur district were also declared child marriage-free.
• UNICEF provided technical support, awareness programs, and monitoring mechanisms, helping accelerate progress.

This momentum is expected to spread across the state, with campaigns already being expedited in other districts.

Significance

• Balod’s achievement is India’s first officially certified child marriage-free district.
• It sets a national benchmark for social reform.
• Strengthens the message that grassroots participation and government support can eradicate harmful practices.
• Paves the way for achieving a child marriage-free Chhattisgarh by 2028-29.