Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi, has issued a strong condemnation of child marriage, labeling it both a breach of law and a profound ethical wrong. The statement was made in the context of the ministry's ongoing efforts to eradicate the practice across India.
Government's Firm Stance Against the Practice
Minister Annapurna Devi emphasized that child marriage constitutes a severe legal violation and a moral injustice. This clear positioning underscores the government's zero-tolerance policy towards the archaic custom that jeopardizes the health, education, and future of children, particularly girls.
The remarks were highlighted on December 4, 2025, as reported by journalist Amrita Madhukalya. The minister's firm stance aligns with the proactive measures being implemented by her ministry to tackle the issue systematically.
New Digital Portal for Transparency and Public Participation
Elaborating on the government's strategy, Anil Malik, the Secretary of the Women and Child Development (WCD) Ministry, provided details about a dedicated digital portal. This platform is designed to be a cornerstone in the fight against child marriage.
Through this portal, citizens and authorities can:
- Monitor district-wise progress in prevention efforts.
- Review the actions taken by local administrations.
- Actively participate by taking online pledges against child marriage.
This initiative aims to bring transparency, enable data-driven interventions, and foster a sense of collective public responsibility.
A Multifaceted Approach to Eradication
The combination of strong political will, as expressed by the minister, and technological tools for engagement and tracking represents a multifaceted approach. By defining child marriage as a dual crime—against the state and against humanity—the government seeks to strengthen societal rejection of the practice.
The online pledge system is a key component, intended to mobilize citizens, especially the youth, to become advocates for change within their communities. The ability to track progress at the district level is expected to put pressure on local authorities to perform and ensure accountability in implementing anti-child marriage laws and programs.
The announcement marks a significant step in India's campaign to protect its children, moving beyond mere legislation to creating an ecosystem of monitoring, participation, and sustained public discourse to end child marriage.
