Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Abhiyan

Recently the Ministry for Women and Child Development launched the national campaign “Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat”.

One in three of the world’s child brides live in India.
Over half of the girls and women in India who married in childhood live in five states: Uttar Pradesh (highest), Bihar, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
The majority of young women who married in childhood gave birth as adolescents.

About Prevention of Child Marriage Act, 2006

The Act aims to prevent child marriages by making certain actions punishable and appointing authorities to enforce its provisions.
It replaced the Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929.
Key Definitions
- Child:
  - Male: Below 21 years.
  - Female: Below 18 years.
- Child Marriage: A marriage where either party is a child.
- Minor: Defined under the Majority Act, 1875, as a person who has not completed 18 years of age.
Punishments:
- Child marriage is punishable with:
  - Rigorous imprisonment up to 2 years.
  - Fine up to ₹1 lakh.
  - Or both.
- Offences are cognisable and non-bailable.
Persons Liable for Punishment:
- Individuals Involved in the Marriage: Anyone performing, conducting, directing, or abetting a child marriage.
- Male Adults (Above 18 years): If they marry a child (as per Section 9).
- Persons in Charge of the Child: Includes parents, guardians, or any members of organizations promoting or permitting child marriage.