National Campaign Against Child Marriage Launched: Mizoram’s CMPOs Join Effort; Lunglei CMPO Speaks on Local Initiatives

A nationwide campaign titled “Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat” (Child Marriage Free India) was officially launched today at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The campaign was inaugurated by Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Ms. Annpurna Devi. Representing Mizoram, four Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) from Aizawl, Lunglei, Champhai, and Mamit districts participated in the event. During the session, Lunglei CMPO, Mr. C. Lalnunfela, addressed the attendees, sharing details about the initiatives taken in Lunglei District to curb child marriages.

Union Minister Ms. Annpurna Devi emphasized the importance of eliminating child marriage across India and introduced various measures for prevention and awareness. She also unveiled the Child Marriage Free Bharat online portal to facilitate reporting and monitoring of child marriage cases.

The event was attended by key dignitaries, including Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Ms. Savitri Thakur, along with representatives from central and state governments. Participants pledged to work collectively towards eradicating child marriage.

For state CMPOs, the campaign launch included a special session to enhance their understanding of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 and their responsibilities under it. Mr. C. Lalnunfela presented an overview of ongoing efforts in Lunglei District, outlining specific steps taken to combat child marriage in the area.

Lunglei Initiatives
In Lunglei District, CMPOs, along with CDPOs from Lunglei, Lungsen, and Bunghmun, and the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), have been actively collaborating with churches, schools, anganwadi centers, nursing schools, hostels, and women’s organizations such as MHIP. They conduct awareness programs highlighting the dangers of child marriage and promote the legal age for marriage: 21 years for men and 18 years for women.

Awareness campaigns about the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 have been held at various locations. Recently, an incident was reported in which a planned marriage of a boy under 21 in a village was postponed from January 2024 to May 2024 to ensure legal compliance.