Balod, Chhattisgarh, Becomes India’s First ‘Child Marriage-Free’ District

Balod district in Chhattisgarh has made history in India’s endeavor to eradicate child marriage. The district has become the first in the country to be officially declared ‘child marriage-free.’ This achievement is a testament to the collective efforts of the administration, public representatives, Anganwadi workers, and the local community. Under the ‘Child Marriage Free India’ national campaign, launched on August 27, 2024, Balod has set a national example. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has set a goal to make the entire state of Chhattisgarh child marriage-free by 2028-29. The district has achieved this milestone by ensuring that no child marriage cases were registered in the past two years. Certificates have been issued to all 436 gram panchayats and 9 urban bodies in the district.