Iran Claims Control of Strait of Hormuz Amid Escalating Tensions with US
TRIPURA: 723 child marriages averted; Govt adopts zero-tolerance policy
Feb 13, 2026In a major stride against child marriage, the Tripura government prevented 723 such cases between April and December last year, Social Welfare and Social Education Minister Tinku Roy said on Friday.
Speaking at a state-level awareness programme on “Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat and Gender-Based Violence,” Roy described child marriage and gender-based violence as persistent obstacles to social development. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to eliminating the practice entirely and ensuring a safe and dignified future for every child.
According to official data, 758 child marriage cases were reported across Tripura’s eight districts during the nine-month period. Of these, 723 were successfully prevented with coordinated intervention by district authorities, law enforcement agencies, and non-governmental organisations. Authorities also registered 32 FIRs and organised 1,088 awareness camps statewide.
“Child marriage robs children of education and good health, pushing their future into uncertainty,” Roy said, stressing that discrimination often begins within families through unequal treatment of sons and daughters. He called for stricter enforcement of laws and stronger institutional mechanisms to curb both child marriage and gender-based violence.
Highlighting support systems for women, the minister said nine ‘Sakhi One Stop Centres’ are currently functioning across eight districts, with another centre set to open in West Tripura. These centres provide integrated assistance to women facing violence and distress.
Roy also pointed to financial assistance schemes aimed at discouraging early marriage. Under the Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana, eligible beneficiaries receive ₹50,000 to ease economic pressures that often contribute to early marriage. Additional welfare initiatives are in place to promote education and empowerment of adolescent girls.
Chairperson of the Tripura Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Jayanti Debbarma, emphasised the need for collective social responsibility alongside legal measures to safeguard children. Meanwhile, Tripura Commission for Women Chairperson Jharna Debbarma urged society to discard gender bias and create equal opportunities for girls.
The government reiterated its goal of reducing child marriage cases to zero, asserting that the state’s overall development hinges on protecting the rights, education, and well-being of girls.
Most Recent
