The Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat campaign completed one year on 27 November 2025. To mark it, the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) launched a 100-day intensive awareness campaign. Union Minister Annpurna Devi launched the drive at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on 4 December 2025. The campaign runs from 27 November 2025 to 8 March 2026. Thus, it aims to turn the fight against child marriage into a mass movement.
Three Phases of the 100-Day Drive
First, from 27 November to 31 December 2025, schools and colleges hold debates, essays and pledges. Next, in January 2026, the focus shifts to faith leaders, community influencers and marriage service providers. Finally, from 1 February to 8 March 2026, Gram Panchayats and municipal wards pass child-marriage-free resolutions.
What the Minister Said at the Launch
Annpurna Devi said the aim was to build an India “where every daughter and son can shape their future”. She added that the campaign had become a mass movement. The event also featured a National Pledge to End Child Marriage.
Campaign Goals and the BVMB Portal
Notably, the campaign aims to cut child marriage prevalence by 10% by 2026. It also seeks a child marriage-free India by 2030, in line with SDG 5.3. Moreover, the BVMB portal lists Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) and allows real-time case reporting. According to NFHS-5 (2019-21), 23.3% of women aged 20-24 married before 18. Also, Balod in Chhattisgarh became India’s first child marriage-free district in 2025.
About the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006
The Act replaced the Sarda Act of 1929. Under it, a “child” means a male below 21 or a female below 18. Such a marriage remains voidable at the option of the child party. However, it becomes void in cases of trafficking, force or deceit. Also, an adult male who marries a child faces up to two years’ rigorous imprisonment. Finally, states appoint CMPOs to prevent such marriages.
Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat: Key Facts for Revision
- Campaign launched: 27 November 2024 by MWCD
- 100-day drive: 27 November 2025 to 8 March 2026
- Targets: 10% cut by 2026; child marriage-free India by 2030 (SDG 5.3)
- Legal age (PCMA 2006): 21 for males, 18 for females
Why Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Matters for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, child marriage links GS Paper 1 social issues with GS Paper 2 welfare schemes. So, remember the three phases, the 2030 target and the PCMA 2006 age limits. Also, link this drive with Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and SDG 5. For official updates, also visit Ministry of Women and Child Development. Next, for a related campaign, read about Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
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