- By News Desk
- Thu, 09 Oct 2025 04:54 PM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
Under the Mission Shakti 5.0 initiative, the Yogi government has launched a historic campaign to eradicate the social evil of child marriage in Uttar Pradesh. The programme, titled “Say No to Child Marriage”, coincided with the International Week of the Girl Child (October 3-11) and saw events conducted simultaneously across all districts, where girls and women took a pledge to reject this harmful practice.
The campaign, led by the Department of Women and Child Development, included community dialogues, seminars, plays, debates, and lectures at schools, community centres, and panchayats. Experts, teachers, and social workers discussed the adverse health, educational, and social impacts of child marriage, emphasising that early marriage disrupts education, limits career prospects, increases maternal and infant mortality, and heightens the risk of domestic violence and exploitation.
A key highlight of the initiative was honouring courageous girls who defied societal and familial pressures, choosing education and self-reliance over early marriage. Officials said this approach demonstrates that every girl has the right to decide her own future.
According to NFHS-5 (2019-21), the rate of child marriage in Uttar Pradesh is 15.8 per cent, lower than the national average of 23.3 per cent, with rural areas still facing greater challenges. Over the past five years, the Yogi government has prevented over 2,000 potential child marriages, reflecting the effectiveness of its efforts.
The campaign also emphasises legal enforcement under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, with District Probation Officers appointed as Prohibition Officers. In addition to legal measures, the initiative focuses on changing societal mindsets, engaging fathers and brothers in discussions on girls’ rights.
Leena Johri, Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Women and Child Development, said, “Child marriage is not just a social evil, but a gross violation of the rights of girls. The government is empowering girls through education, promoting self-reliance, and fostering their independence. Today, it is the courage of these girls that will shape a new Uttar Pradesh. Ending this harmful custom requires a collective effort.”
Mission Shakti 5.0 is being hailed as a revolutionary step towards women’s empowerment, aiming to make Uttar Pradesh child marriage-free by 2030.