CM Sai Vows Statewide Eradication by 2028; Community-Led Campaigns and Awareness Drives Credited for Milestone
Published on: October 03, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Balod, India
In a pioneering achievement for social reform, Balod district was officially declared India’s first child-marriage free zone on October 3, 2025, during a state-level ceremony attended by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. The declaration, based on zero reported incidents over the past year, stems from intensive community outreach, school-based education programs, and strict enforcement of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.
District authorities reported that over 5,000 awareness sessions reached more than 50,000 families, particularly in tribal and rural pockets, with collaborations from NGOs and women’s self-help groups playing a pivotal role. CM Sai, addressing the gathering, pledged Rs 50 crore for statewide expansion, aiming to replicate the model across all 33 districts by 2028, aligning with national goals under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.
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He highlighted Balod’s success as a testament to “people’s participation,” noting a 40% rise in girls’ school enrollment since 2023. Critics, however, point to persistent challenges in remote areas like Dantewada, where cultural norms still pose barriers. The event, coinciding with post-Dussehra reflections on social justice, has sparked nationwide interest, with neighboring states eyeing similar initiatives. Local leaders celebrated with cultural programs, emphasizing empowerment through education and economic incentives for delayed marriages.
