Surajpur – A Prototype for Ending Child Marriage

What It Represents?

A social reform program at the district level focused on eradicating child marriage via awareness, community involvement, and rigorous oversight.

Acknowledged as a benchmark for other districts and states aiming to eliminate child marriage.

Objective:

Eliminate child marriage via education, awareness, and the implementation of legal measures.

Enhance maternal and child health results by postponing early pregnancies.

Main Characteristics:

Community Engagement: Active participation of panchayats, Anganwadi workers, NGOs, and guardians.

Awareness Initiatives: Discussions on children's rights, significance of education, health dangers of early marriage.

Health & Nutrition Connection: Combines the elimination of child marriage with National Nutrition Month and maternal-child wellness initiatives.

Replication Model: Initiative launched in other districts; objective to establish Chhattisgarh as a “Child Marriage-Free State.”