Smt. Krishna Tirath, Minister for Women and Child Development will preside over a day long National Consultation on draft plan of action on Prevention of Child Marriage tomorrow at the Multi Purpose Hall, India International Center, Lodhi Road, New Delhi.

To address the issue of child marriage in the country, the Child Marriage Restraint Act was enacted in 1929, which was amended in 1949 and 1978. A more progressive legislation- ‘Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006’ was brought into force replacing the earlier Act. 

Child Marriage is violation of child rights and has adverse effect on child health and education. It has physical, intellectual, psychological and emotional impact. Therefore, it is necessary that this activity should be stopped. Accordingly, a National Strategy on Prevention of Child Marriage has been prepared. The day long consultation will deliberate on the following issues associated with child marriage: law enforcement, access to educate and other opportunities, changing mind-sets and social norms, empowerment of adolescents, data and knowledge management and developing monitorable indicators. The Ministry of Women and Child development has prepared a draft National Action Plan to implement this National Strategy. During the consultation meeting, the Action Plan will be discussed with various Central Government departments, State Governments, local bodies, civil societies and all other stakeholders.