Historic Achievement
Balod Sets Milestone as First Child Marriage Free District in India: Balod district in Chhattisgarh has been officially declared as India’s first child marriage-free district. The recognition comes under the nationwide campaign Child Marriage Free India, launched on 27 August 2024. This marks a turning point in social reform, highlighting the power of administrative effort combined with community participation.
Static GK fact: The legal age of marriage in India is 21 years for men and 18 years for women under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.
How Balod Achieved Success
The district reported zero cases of child marriage in two consecutive years. Verification was conducted across 436 gram panchayats and nine urban bodies, certifying them child marriage-free. Families, panchayats, and community groups played an active role in spreading awareness.
District Collector Divya Umesh Mishra described the initiative as a model for the entire nation.
Role of Government and Recognition
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai hailed this achievement as a “historic step towards social reform,” further announcing that Chhattisgarh aims to be completely child marriage-free by 2028-29.
Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Rajwade emphasized that the Balod example shows how government and society, when working together, can eliminate entrenched social evils.
Static GK fact: Chhattisgarh was formed on 1 November 2000 after being separated from Madhya Pradesh.
Community and Institutional Support
UNICEF provided technical assistance, awareness programs, and monitoring mechanisms. Anganwadi workers and local representatives ensured the law was implemented on the ground. The efforts of panchayats and women-led community groups helped to secure full compliance.
Static GK Tip: UNICEF was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in New York, USA.
Wider Impact in Chhattisgarh
On Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday, 75 gram panchayats in Surajpur district were also declared child marriage-free. Campaigns are now being scaled across other districts to replicate Balod’s success.
The achievement shows that with structured campaigns, strong verification, and community participation, states can move towards eliminating harmful practices.
National Significance
Balod has created a national benchmark by becoming the first certified child marriage-free district. This reinforces the idea that grassroots initiatives supported by government machinery can transform society.
The milestone aligns with India’s larger social reform goals and strengthens the vision of a child marriage-free Chhattisgarh by 2028-29.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Balod Sets Milestone as First Child Marriage Free District in India:
| Topic | Detail |
| First child marriage-free district | Balod, Chhattisgarh |
| Campaign name | Child Marriage Free India (launched August 27, 2024) |
| Verification coverage | 436 gram panchayats, 9 urban bodies |
| District Collector | Divya Umesh Mishra |
| Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh | Vishnu Deo Sai |
| Women and Child Development Minister | Laxmi Rajwade |
| Supporting body | UNICEF |
| Surajpur initiative | 75 gram panchayats declared child marriage-free |
| State target | Child marriage-free Chhattisgarh by 2028-29 |
| Legal marriage age in India | 21 years (men), 18 years (women) |
