Maharashtra schools to hold awareness drives against child marriage on education department orders

In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, child marriage is being seen not merely as a bad social custom but as a grave problem that robs children of their education, health, safety and a better future. To root the practice out of society, awareness will now be spread on a large scale through schools and educational institutions.

Under the Centre's "Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat" campaign, the education department has directed schools in the state to hold different activities suited to the age of their students. The aim is to involve students themselves in the fight against child marriage, so that social change begins with them.

The Union Ministry of Women and Child Development launched the "Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat" (BVMB) campaign on November 27, 2024. Its main objectives are to raise awareness in society against a harmful practice such as child marriage, increase active participation of citizens, and take effective steps by coordinating among various departments. To give the campaign further momentum, a special 100-day awareness drive is being run till December 21.

In this connection, the state's Directorates of Primary and of Secondary Education have issued specific instructions to educational institutions. Publicity for the campaign will not be limited to school events, and digital media will also be used. Schools have been asked to put awareness material, informational videos, the pledge and campaign-related information on their official websites.

Primary Education Director Sharad Gosavi and Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Director Dr Mahesh Palkar have directed the state's divisional deputy directors of education, education officers, education inspectors and municipal corporation administrations to implement the initiative effectively. The campaign will focus on instilling in children, through schools, an attitude against child marriage, so that the coming generation is more aware.

As per the instructions, all schools and educational institutions in the state will hold special awareness programmes around November 27. Students will be told, according to their age, about the ill effects of child marriage, children's rights, the importance of education and ways to prevent child marriage.

It has been said that efforts by the government machinery alone are not enough to stop child marriage and that participation from every section of society is necessary. Teachers, field officials and citizens have therefore been urged to take a pledge against child marriage through the BVMB portal.