THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
New Delhi, March 18: In a rare show of bipartisan unity, over 20 Members of Parliament from across political parties have come together under the ‘MPs for Children’ platform to push for a child marriage-free India by 2030, while also raising concerns over the growing risks posed by social media to children.
Meeting in the national capital on March 17, the MPs outlined a multi-pronged strategy—ranging from legislative interventions to grassroots mobilisation—aimed at tackling child marriage and strengthening child protection frameworks.
Cross-Party Consensus on Ending Child Marriage
The initiative, supported by Just Rights for Children, brings together lawmakers cutting across ideological lines. The forum was first formed on November 17, 2024, with the backing of 38 MPs, and has since gained momentum.
Speaking at the ‘Dialogue with Parliamentarians on Achieving Child Full Potential’, Telugu Desam Party leader Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, who convenes the forum, emphasised the need for collective political will.
“Child marriage is not about any one party or religion. There is a broad consensus that it must end. India has tackled challenges like polio and school enrolment—there is no reason we cannot eliminate child marriage by 2030,” he said.
ALSO READ: Jharkhand Universities Bill creates State-level tribunal for staff disputes
Push for Legal Reforms and Parliamentary Action
The MPs agreed to utilise parliamentary tools such as Zero Hour discussions and Private Members’ Bills to keep the issue at the forefront of national policy.
Devarayalu has already introduced a Private Member’s Bill in the Lok Sabha seeking to strengthen the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2006). The proposed amendments include:
- Stricter penalties for offenders
- Dedicated Child Marriage Prohibition Officers
- Special courts for speedy trials
- A digital reporting mechanism
Call for Social Media Restrictions to Protect Children
Recognising emerging threats, the MPs also called for age-appropriate regulations on social media use to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.
The discussion highlighted the growing link between digital exposure and risks such as technology-enabled child sexual abuse, underlining the need for proactive safeguards.
Demand for National Day Against Child Marriage
Bhuwan Ribhu, Founder of Just Rights for Children, urged the government to institutionalise the fight against child marriage by declaring a ‘National Day for Child Marriage Free India’.
He described child protection as a “national priority”, stressing the need for coordinated action across government and society. Ribhu has also called on the United Nations to recognise a global day dedicated to eliminating child marriage.
Mass Campaign Gains Political Momentum
To support the Centre’s 100-day campaign against child marriage, the organisation has launched the Bal Vivah Mukti Rath, a nationwide awareness drive.
- Over 500 campaign vehicles deployed
- Coverage across 28 states and 439 districts
- Participation from 104 MPs, along with Chief Ministers, Ministers, MLAs, and district officials
The campaign aims to take awareness directly to rural communities, where child marriage remains prevalent.
The dialogue saw participation from MPs representing BJP, Congress, TDP, SP, CPM, DMK, JD(U), IUML, JMM and other parties, signalling a rare convergence on child rights issues.
