Balod District Leads the Way: Becomes India’s First Child Marriage-Free District

Balod district in Chhattisgarh has earned the distinction of becoming the first ‘child marriage-free’ district in India. This achievement is a landmark moment in the nation’s efforts to combat child marriage. Balod’s success stems from a complete absence of child marriage cases over the last two years. The district’s triumph, which involved verifying documentation and completing all legal procedures, serves as an inspiration for the rest of the country. District Collector Divya Umesh Mishra highlighted that this accomplishment was a result of coordinated efforts from the administration, public representatives, Anganwadi workers, and local residents. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has lauded Balod’s efforts and declared the state’s goal to eradicate child marriage by 2028-29. Certificates have been issued across all 436 gram panchayats and 9 urban bodies.