No cases in the last two years; continuous efforts by District Administration, UNICEF and Alliance for Behaviour Change member Agricon bring results
Janjgir–Champa district has achieved an important milestone in the field of child protection. A total of 135 gram panchayats and 2 nagar panchayats have been officially declared “Child-Marriage-Free”, as not a single case of child marriage was reported in the last two years. This achievement shows the strong vigilance of the administration, active community participation, and continuous awareness efforts.
Over the past few years, the District Administration, Women and Child Development Department, UNICEF and Alliance for Behaviour Change member Agricon have run an extensive campaign to make every panchayat in the district free from child marriage. Anganwadi workers, teachers, panchayat representatives, youth groups and women’s groups were involved through village meetings, rallies, community gatherings, school activities and door-to-door awareness drives.
During the campaign, people were made aware of the harmful effects of child marriage—loss of education, health risks and safety concerns for girls. Information about the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, available complaint mechanisms and ways to prevent child marriage was also shared widely with the community.
SBCC Strategy perform as the Foundation
A key pillar of the entire campaign was the Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) strategy, which played a crucial role in bringing real change in the community’s attitudes and behaviour. This approach focused on community participation, strengthening local leadership, encouraging family discussions, sharing real stories and positive examples, and communicating simple messages based on law and risks. Continuous dialogue with youth and parents helped people understand that child marriage is not a “tradition” but a violation of children’s rights. As a result, the community itself started taking responsibility to stop child marriage.
According to officials, achieving zero child marriage is only the beginning. The aim is to ensure that every gram panchayat remains child-marriage-free permanently, so that children can enjoy a safe childhood, continue their education and move towards a better future.
This achievement of Janjgir district is seen as an important step towards making Chhattisgarh a completely Child-Marriage-Free State.
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