Maharashtra’s campaign to eradicate child marriage has been gaining traction lately, as the state government on Sunday claimed it has posted a progress towards its vision of creating a child marriage-free society.

The state’s Women and Child Development (WCD) Minister Aditi Tatkare said the state has strengthened its prevention framework via strict enforcement, technological interventions and community participation. While addressing reporters in Mumbai, she emphasised the movement is no longer confined to government agencies alone but has evolved into a people-driven initiative supported by Maharashtra’s citizens.

The minister said public awareness and vigilance have played a key role in identifying and preventing underage marriages before they could materialise. She said, “The response from the citizens has been highly encouraging. Last year, authorities prevented 1,400 child marriages, while this year the figure has risen to 1,450.”

Bal Gruhs laid across the state to prevent underage marriages

Beyond enforcement, the state government is focusing on the social and economic challenges which often push vulnerable families into malpractice. The WCD department identified one of the major concerns as the safety and welfare of daughters of migrant labourers. In regions like Marathwada, where families frequently relocate seeking employment, young girls are often left without adequate supervision while their parents are away for work as daily wage labourers.

To address the issue, the government has laid dedicated Bal Gruhs, which provide a safe environment for girls between the ages of 12 and 14. These facilities ensure that children remain protected while pursuing their education without interruption.

Technology playing a key role in the initiative

The state has also rolled out a digital tracking portal for children of migrant workers, which allows the kids enrolled in Anganwadis in their native villages to be seamlessly transferred to Anganwadis near their families’ new work locations. The initiative aims to ensure continuity in education, nutrition and welfare services, regardless of where families migrate for work.

Legal action intensified

Moreover, the state has also expanded accountability in child marriage cases, where legal action no longer remains restricted to parents alone. Authorities have warned that priests conducting underage marriage ceremonies, brokers facilitating the malpractice and even guests attending these weddings could face legal consequences.

Minister Tatkare said the stricter approach has created a strong deterrent effect across communities. On the occasion of Akshay Tritiya alone, officials prevented 34 child marriages in a single day.

The state’s Ahilyanagar district has emerged as a leading example in the ongoing campaign. Between April 2025 and March 2026, authorities prevented 155 child marriages and registered 15 FIRs against families involved in the practice.