Tripura government prevents 723 child marriages in nine months, intensifies crackdown on gender-based violence through awareness drives, FIRs, Sakhi One Stop Centres, and financial aid schemes to ensure girls’ education, safety, and a child marriage-free future.
The government of Tripura has successfully prevented 723 child marriages within a span of nine months last year, marking a significant milestone in its intensified campaign against child marriage and gender-based violence. The achievement was highlighted by Social Welfare and Social Education Minister Tinku Roy during a state-level awareness programme on “Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat and Gender-Based Violence.”
Addressing the gathering, Roy underscored that child marriage and gender-based violence remain serious obstacles to social progress and inclusive development. He reaffirmed the state government’s firm commitment to eliminating these social evils and ensuring a safe, dignified, and promising future for every child.
According to senior officials from the Social Welfare and Social Education Department, a total of 758 child marriage cases were reported across Tripura’s eight districts between April and December last year. Out of these, 723 cases were successfully prevented through coordinated intervention by government officials, law enforcement agencies, and non-governmental organizations. The proactive approach reflects the growing vigilance and responsiveness of authorities in tackling the issue at grassroots levels.
During the same period, 32 First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered in connection with attempts to conduct child marriages. In addition, the department organized 1,088 awareness camps across the state to educate communities about the legal, social, and health consequences of early marriage. These outreach programmes targeted families, community leaders, adolescents, and local stakeholders to build collective resistance against the practice.
Roy emphasized that the core objective of a child marriage-free India is not only to prevent underage weddings but to transform societal attitudes. He noted that child marriage deprives children—particularly girls—of their fundamental rights to education, healthcare, and personal development. Early marriage often leads to school dropouts, early pregnancies, health complications, and economic dependency, thereby perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.
The Minister also pointed out that discrimination often begins within households, where sons and daughters are treated unequally. He stressed that building a healthy and progressive society requires eliminating such family-level discrimination. Strict enforcement of existing laws, coupled with robust social and institutional support systems, is essential to curb gender-based violence and prevent child marriage.
As part of its protective infrastructure, the state currently operates nine Sakhi One Stop Centres across eight districts to provide integrated support to women facing violence. These centres offer legal aid, medical assistance, counselling, and temporary shelter under one roof. Roy announced that an additional centre will soon be established in West Tripura district, raising the total number to ten. The expansion is expected to further strengthen women’s safety and child protection mechanisms throughout the state.
Financial empowerment schemes have also played a crucial role in discouraging early marriages. Under the Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana, eligible beneficiaries receive financial assistance of Rs 50,000. The scheme aims to reduce economic pressures that often compel families to arrange early marriages for their daughters. Alongside this initiative, multiple welfare programmes are being implemented to support adolescent girls, promote higher education, and enhance skill development opportunities.
Roy reiterated that the ultimate goal is to reduce child marriage cases to zero and ensure equal opportunities for both men and women. He stressed that sustainable development in Tripura depends on safeguarding the rights, education, and well-being of girls.
Chairperson of the Tripura Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Jayanti Debbarma, highlighted that legal measures alone are insufficient without active social participation. She called for greater awareness among parents and guardians to prevent child marriages at the family level.
Similarly, Chairperson of the Tripura Commission for Women, Jharna Debbarma, emphasized that discrimination between sons and daughters must end to secure a brighter future for the next generation. She urged society to provide girl children with equal opportunities and sustained support.
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The state’s multi-pronged strategy—combining legal enforcement, awareness campaigns, financial assistance, and institutional support—signals a determined push toward eradicating child marriage and fostering gender equality. With continued collaboration between government bodies, civil society, and local communities, Tripura aims to set a strong example in the nationwide movement for a child marriage-free India.
