National Commission for Women Aims to Eradicate Child Marriage by 2030

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has set an ambitious goal to eradicate child marriage in India by 2030, with an interim target of a 10% reduction by 2026. Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar highlighted the alarming statistics, particularly in states like West Bengal, Bihar, and Tripura, where child marriage rates exceed 40%. During her recent visit to Tripura, she engaged with local officials and self-help groups, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and vigilance against trafficking. Rahatkar's discussions with state leaders focused on women's empowerment and welfare initiatives, showcasing the NCW's commitment to addressing these critical issues.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 30, 2026, 17:52 IST

Ambitious Goals Set by NCW President

Vijaya Rahatkar, the chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), announced on Thursday that the commission has set an ambitious target to eliminate child marriage across the country by the year 2030. She elaborated that an interim goal has been established to reduce instances of child marriage by 10 percent by the end of this year.

During a press conference, Rahatkar stated, "Our objective is to eradicate child marriage nationwide by 2030, and to achieve this primary goal, we aim for a 10 percent reduction in child marriage cases by the end of 2026."

Current Statistics and Regional Challenges

According to officials, the average rate of child marriage in the country stands at 23.3 percent, with West Bengal, Bihar, and Tripura exhibiting the highest rates. In these states, over 40 percent of women are married before reaching the age of 18. Rahatkar had visited Tripura on Tuesday.

She conducted several meetings and awareness programs focusing on issues such as girl trafficking, child marriage, the POCSO Act, and women's welfare.

Collaborative Efforts for Women's Welfare

Rahatkar mentioned, "Today, we had a productive discussion at the state guest house with Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha and Special Secretary of the Department of Social Education and Welfare, Tapan Kumar Das, regarding the steps taken by the state government for women's welfare."

Highlighting Tripura's vulnerability to girl trafficking due to its border status, she also met with Border Security Force (BSF) officials to discuss measures for enhancing vigilance and awareness among personnel to combat trafficking at the international border.

Recognition of Women's Self-Help Groups

The NCW chairperson praised the efforts of women-led self-help groups (SHGs) in the state. She shared, "I met with the Lakshmi Didis and SHG members in Udaipur, Gomati district, on Wednesday, and I was greatly impressed by their potential for sustainable income generation."

On Tuesday, Rahatkar had a meeting with Chief Minister Manik Saha to discuss issues related to women's empowerment, welfare, and safety.