To combat the pressing issue of child marriage, the Child Marriage Free India Campaign (Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Abhiyan) was inaugurated in Thane district by District Collector Ashok Shingare alongside District Legal Services Authority Secretary Judge Ishwar Suryavanshi. The campaign, aimed at eradicating child marriage.

Marking November 27 as Child Marriage Prevention Day, the campaign will run from November 27 to December 10, 2024, under the leadership of the Thane District Women and Child Development Office, the District Legal Services Authority, and Seva Sanstha/Maharashtra Social Development Trust, in collaboration with the Dr. Kailash Satyarthi Foundation, Government of India.

The initiative aims to educate and mobilize communities, particularly in rural areas like Shahapur, Murbad, and Bhiwandi, using Chitraratha (awareness vans) the official will spread awareness about the harmful effects of child marriage.

The inaugural event witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including Mahendra Gaikwad, District Women and Child Development Officer, Ramakrishna Reddy, District Child Protection Officer, Ashok Pawar and Shri Devayya from the Maharashtra Social Development Trust

Speaking on the occasion, Collector Ashok Shingare emphasized the need for a united societal effort to end child marriage. He assured the public that the district administration is committed to ensuring no child marriage takes place in Thane. "Awareness is the key to eliminating undesirable customs and traditions that harm society," he said.

Judge Ishwar Suryavanshi highlighted the devastating social and personal impacts of child marriage, stressing the importance of focused efforts in rural areas where the practice is more prevalent.

Mahendra Gaikwad, Women and Child Development Officer, announced that the campaign's message will be amplified through Chitraratha activities to ensure deep penetration into rural communities.