Child marriage remains a significant issue in Bihar, with the state ranking among the top five in India for high incidences of this social evil. However, the Bihar government, in collaboration with various NGOs, has been making remarkable strides toward eliminating child marriage. The state is setting an example in the fight against this deep-rooted practice through legal enforcement, community-driven initiatives, and technological interventions.
Government Initiatives and NGO Support: In October 2024, Nutan Charcha the Bihar government intensified its efforts to eradicate child marriage with the support of the ‘Just Rights For Children Alliance’ (JRCA). This NGO coalition is working towards eliminating child marriage by 2030, in line with the Supreme Court’s ruling that personal laws cannot obstruct the enforcement of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA). JRCA coordinator Ravikant emphasized that despite existing measures, Bihar still struggles with a high prevalence of child marriage, making collective action imperative.
Community Engagement and Awareness Campaigns: Community-driven awareness programs play a crucial role in combating child marriage. In November 2024, the Gaya district launched an extensive campaign involving rallies, meetings, and pledge ceremonies to educate communities on the adverse effects of child marriage. On the first day alone, around 11,000 individuals took a pledge to prevent child marriages in their localities. The ‘Prayas’ organization, active in 190 villages over two years, has successfully intervened in 70 child marriage cases, reflecting the effectiveness of grassroots activism.
Technological Interventions in Preventing Child Marriage: Innovation has become a key tool in the battle against child marriage. The ‘Bandhan Tod’ mobile application allows citizens to report imminent child marriages, enabling NGOs and law enforcement to take immediate action. By leveraging technology, Bihar has managed to intervene in and prevent numerous child marriages, ensuring timely and effective responses to such cases.
Statistical Evidence of Progress: According to Nutan Charcha fiscal year 2022-2023 data, civil society organizations prevented or halted 9,551 child marriages through legal interventions, with Bihar accounting for 31% of these cases—the highest among Indian states. These statistics underscore the effectiveness of the collaborative approach between the government, NGOs, and local communities in tackling child marriage.
Conclusion: The fight against child marriage in Bihar is a testament to the power of collective action. With legal frameworks, grassroots movements, and technological interventions working in tandem, Bihar is making significant progress toward eradicating child marriage. Continued efforts, increased awareness, and sustained government support are essential to ensuring a future where every child enjoys the right to education and a life free from early marriage.
