In a significant milestone for child protection and women’s rights, ten villages in Tripura have been officially recognised for their remarkable efforts in preventing child marriages and ensuring girls stay in school.
The initiative, spearheaded by the state government and supported by local communities. Further, marks a step forward in safeguarding children’s futures in the northeastern state.
Community-Led Efforts Show Results
Officials from the Tripura Social Welfare and Social Education Department announced the recognition during a press conference on Saturday.
“These villages have set a powerful example of how community action can eliminate harmful practices like child marriage,” said a senior department official. “We want their success stories to inspire other regions across Tripura.”
The villages honoured are spread across districts including West Tripura, Sepahijala, Gomati, and North Tripura.
Decline in Child Marriage Cases
Tripura has historically struggled with high rates of child marriages, particularly in rural regions. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), the state’s child marriage rate stood at nearly 21% among girls aged 20-24 who were married before 18.
However, government officials report a steady decline in recent years, driven by:
- Village-level awareness drives
- School-based interventions
- Stronger law enforcement
- Active involvement of women’s groups and village councils
Role of Village Committees
One crucial factor has been the creation of Village Child Protection Committees (VCPCs). These groups include local leaders, Anganwadi workers, teachers, and youth volunteers.
“Whenever there’s suspicion of a child marriage being planned, the committee intervenes immediately,” explained Ranjita Debbarma, a VCPC member from Gomati district. “We counsel parents, involve the police if necessary, and make sure girls continue their education.”
Education as a Shield Against Child Marriage
Education remains central to the fight against child marriage in Tripura.
Several of the honoured villages have achieved 100% enrolment rates for girls in secondary schools. Scholarships, free textbooks, and bicycles have helped keep girls in classrooms and reduce dropout rates.
“We realised that child marriage often happens when girls leave school,” said Priyanka Saha, a school teacher from Sepahijala district. “So, we work hard to keep them enrolled and motivated.”
State Government Plans Expansion
Encouraged by the progress, the Tripura government now plans to expand these community-driven efforts to more villages. Officials hinted at new training programs and additional resources for child protection committees.
“There’s still a long way to go,” admitted the Social Welfare Department spokesperson. “But these villages prove that change is possible.”
Voices from the Villages
Villagers themselves expressed pride in the recognition.
“Our daughters deserve education and freedom from early marriage,” said Parimal Debnath, a village head from North Tripura. “This award belongs to the entire village. We’ll keep fighting for our girls.”
Parents, too, are seeing the benefits.
“Earlier, we thought marrying our daughters early would secure their future,” confessed Anima Tripura, a mother from West Tripura. “Now, we know education is the best security.”
A Model for Other States
Child rights activists say Tripura’s model can inspire other states battling similar challenges.
“This recognition is not just a local victory,” said a representative from Save the Children India. “It’s a blueprint for how grassroots action can transform social norms and protect children.”
The recognition of these ten villages is a beacon of hope in Tripura’s journey towards ending child marriages. With continued support and expanded initiatives, the state is poised to become a leader in child rights protection in the Northeast.
The fight continues, but these villages have proven that determined communities can change the narrative for generations to come.
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