Kupwara Successfully Concludes “Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat” Campaign to End Child Marriage

KUPWARA | JANUARY 16, 2026 — The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Kupwara, has successfully concluded a week-long intensive outreach initiative under the “Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat” campaign.

Operating in compliance with NALSA ASHA Standard Operating Procedures, the drive spanned approximately 250 villages and engaged nearly 9,000 households to prevent child marriage and safeguard children’s rights. The primary objective was to educate rural communities on the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, highlighting the severe legal penalties for those who promote or solemnize such marriages.

The campaign utilized a multi-pronged approach, including door-to-door visits and mass awareness sessions at schools, health centers, and Anganwadi centers. Field teams, comprising Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs), ASHA workers, and teachers, provided on-the-spot counseling to parents and school dropouts while successfully persuading several families to reconsider early marriage arrangements.

To ensure long-term protection, the DLSA publicized vital resources such as the Child Helpline (1098), the NALSA Legal Services Helpline (15100), and the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Portal for safe reporting of suspected cases.A significant focus of the drive was the reintegration of school dropouts to ensure that educational opportunities remain a priority over early marriage.

By collaborating with local Chokidars and Lumberdars, the campaign reached remote and high-risk areas, fostering a stronger community commitment to child rights. This initiative has established a robust foundation for continued monitoring and legal advocacy to ensure Kupwara remains free from the practice of child marriage.