Chhattisgarh’s Major Achievement under the Guidance of Women & Child Development Minister Mrs. Laxmi Rajwade

A Historic Milestone on the 75th Birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi

75 Gram Panchayats of Surajpur District Declared “Child Marriage-Free”

Raipur, Sept 2025 : Chhattisgarh has recorded a historic achievement in the direction of social reform on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday. Seventy-five Gram Panchayats of Surajpur district have been declared “Child Marriage-Free Panchayats.” This recognition was granted on the basis that no cases of child marriage were reported in these panchayats over the last two years.

This accomplishment is credited to the continuous efforts, active guidance, and leadership of the State’s Women and Child Development Minister, Mrs. Laxmi Rajwade. Under her leadership, the department carried out extensive awareness campaigns across villages, mobilized Anganwadi workers and panchayat representatives, and ensured community participation. Mrs. Rajwade stated that this initiative from Surajpur will serve as an inspiration not only for Chhattisgarh but for the entire country. Achieving this milestone during the Prime Minister’s Amrit Mahotsav year sends a powerful message of positive social change.

Recognition of Community Participation
The district administration praised the joint role of the Women and Child Development Department, Anganwadi workers, Gram Panchayat representatives, and the local community in making the initiative a success. Their collective efforts ensured that education and awareness were prioritized and child marriage was completely prevented.

It is notable that under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, the “Child Marriage-Free Chhattisgarh Campaign” was launched on March 10, 2024. With the support of UNICEF and under the guidance of Minister Mrs. Laxmi Rajwade, this campaign has been continuously strengthened. The state government has placed child marriage eradication among its highest priorities, with a focus on public awareness, monitoring, and community participation.

Inspired by Surajpur’s success, the process of declaring other panchayats and urban bodies across Chhattisgarh as “Child Marriage-Free” has already begun. In districts where no cases of child marriage have been reported in the past two years, certificates will soon be issued.