Tripura intensifies its fight against child marriage as Social Welfare Minister Tinku Roy vows to make the state child marriage-free, launching mass awareness drives, strict legal enforcement, and financial support schemes to protect girls’ rights and promote gender equality.
Tripura has intensified its campaign to eradicate child marriage, with Social Welfare and Social Education Minister Tinku Roy declaring the practice a “social curse” and setting an ambitious goal of reducing child marriage cases to zero across the state.
Speaking at an awareness program on Bal Bibaha Mukta Bharat (Child Marriage-Free India) and gender-based violence, held at a private hotel in Agartala, Roy emphasized that the complete elimination of child marriage is now a top priority for the state government. He called upon citizens, community leaders, and institutions to join hands in transforming the initiative into a mass movement.
“Child marriage is a deep-rooted social evil that deprives girls of education, health, and dignity. Tripura’s development depends on equal rights and opportunities for both men and women,” Roy stated. He stressed that sustainable progress can only be achieved when girls are empowered and allowed to pursue education and economic independence before marriage.
The Minister highlighted that the Social Welfare Department has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to combat the issue. Strict legal measures are being enforced under existing child protection laws, while awareness platforms such as Balika Mancha have been expanded in schools to educate adolescents about their rights and the legal consequences of early marriage.
According to official data shared during the event, more than 1,000 awareness campaigns have been conducted across the state over the past year. These initiatives reportedly helped prevent over 700 potential child marriages, marking a significant step toward the state’s zero-tolerance policy.
Roy further revealed that several areas have already been declared child marriage-free zones, with local administrations closely monitoring vulnerable communities. He urged parents and guardians to prioritize education and skill development for their daughters instead of arranging early marriages.
The program also witnessed the distribution of financial assistance under the Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana, a flagship welfare scheme aimed at supporting economically disadvantaged families. Under the scheme, eligible brides from Antyodaya families receive Rs 50,000 prior to marriage. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and provide valid proof of age and bank account details. Applications can be submitted through Panchayat offices, Child Development Project Officers (CDPO), or Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) offices, and are verified by Panchayat officials before funds are disbursed.
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Women’s Commission Chairperson Jharna Debbarma, Child Protection Commission Chairperson Jayanti Debbarma, and Director of Social Welfare and Social Education Tapan Kumar Das were also present at the event, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to safeguarding children’s rights.
As Tripura steps up its campaign, the government hopes that sustained awareness, strict enforcement, and community participation will pave the way for a child marriage-free state, ensuring a safer and more equitable future for its girls.
