Majuli Launches Month-Long Campaign to Eradicate Child Marriage

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Majuli district in Assam has embarked on an intensive, month-long campaign to eliminate child marriage, running from August 1 to August 31, 2025. The initiative, aligned with the national “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” program, seeks to raise awareness, mobilize communities, and enforce legal measures to protect children from early and forced marriages.

The campaign officially commenced with an awareness rally and community meeting in Maghuachuk, located in the Jengraimukh area. The event drew participation from Anganwadi workers, self-help groups, parents, and residents, signaling strong community engagement. Organizers stressed that collective action is essential in combating child marriage, which remains a deeply rooted social issue in parts of the country.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bibekananda Das underscored the harmful impact of child marriage, stating that it robs children, especially girls, of their rights and future. He highlighted that early marriages not only disrupt education but also increase vulnerability to domestic abuse, health risks, and economic hardship.

A central focus of the campaign is educating citizens on the legal safeguards available under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act. Local authorities emphasized that these laws provide clear penalties for those facilitating or participating in child marriage and urged the public to report any such incidents without hesitation.

To ensure broad outreach, the program will use multiple approaches, including workshops, door-to-door awareness drives, and school-based activities. Special sessions will be organized to engage parents and guardians, emphasizing the long-term benefits of education and the dangers of early marriage. Schoolchildren will also be encouraged to serve as ambassadors of change, spreading the message among their peers and communities.

Authorities are also seeking to build trust between law enforcement and the community, encouraging citizens to come forward with information about potential cases of child marriage. Helpline numbers and confidential reporting mechanisms will be promoted throughout the district to make it easier for people to act without fear of reprisal.

The district administration has set a long-term vision of making Majuli a “model district” free from child marriage. Officials believe that sustained community involvement, combined with strict enforcement of the law, can break the cycle of this harmful practice.

By integrating grassroots participation with legal enforcement, Majuli’s campaign aims not only to prevent child marriages in the immediate term but also to shift societal attitudes that perpetuate the practice. Organizers hope that the district’s approach will inspire other regions to adopt similar, community-driven models to protect children’s rights.

The month-long effort is part of a broader movement across Assam and India to safeguard children’s futures, promote gender equality, and uphold constitutional protections. If successful, Majuli could become a leading example of how determined local action can address entrenched social challenges.