Surajpur district in Chhattisgarh has achieved a historic milestone by officially declaring 75 village panchayats as “Child Marriage-Free” on 17 September 2025, coinciding with the launch of the “Healthy Women, Empowered Families” campaign and National Nutrition Month.

This recognition was granted based on the absence of any reported child marriage cases in these panchayats over the past two years. The district administration and Women and Child Development Department credit strong community participation, awareness campaigns, and strict monitoring for this success, positioning Surajpur as a national model for eradicating child marriage.

Community-Led Success in Combating Child Marriage

The declaration of 75 child marriage-free panchayats in Surajpur is the fruit of sustained efforts by Anganwadi workers, panchayat representatives, voluntary organisations, and local communities.

Extensive awareness programs emphasised child rights, the importance of education, and the social and health risks of early marriage. This multi-pronged approach has shifted societal attitudes, encouraging parents to invest in their daughters’ education and self-reliance rather than early marriage, thereby fostering gender equality at the grassroots.

Linking Child Marriage Reduction to Health and Nutrition Gains

Experts highlight that preventing child marriage not only safeguards girls’ education but also significantly improves maternal and child health outcomes. Early marriages are linked to higher risks of malnutrition, anemia, and maternal and infant mortality.

By delaying marriage and childbirth through awareness and empowerment, Surajpur’s child marriage-free panchayats contribute directly to healthier families and communities, aligning closely with the objectives of the “Healthy Women, Empowered Families” campaign and National Nutrition Month.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

Surajpur’s achievement illustrates how collaborative governance, community engagement, and dedicated awareness campaigns can dismantle entrenched social evils like child marriage.

The Logical Indian believes that sustainable social change requires combining legal enforcement with societal participation and empathy. This success sets an inspiring example for other regions striving for gender equality and child rights protection.