100 Days Initiative: Advancing the Movement for a Child Marriage - Free Rayagada

 

100 Days Initiative: Advancing the Movement for a Child Marriage - Free Rayagada

The district-level inauguration of the 100 Days Initiative - Awareness Campaign for a Child Marriage Free India was successfully held at the DRDA Conference Hall, Rayagada, marking a strong collective commitment to end child marriage in the district. The programme was attended by key officials including the Chief Development Officer (CDO-cum-EO), District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO), Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), and representatives from all line departments. Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) from various levels and more than 50 stakeholders participated, reflecting a shared resolve to protect children’s rights.

The 100 Days Initiative aims to prevent and reduce child marriage through sustained awareness, community engagement, and effective enforcement of laws. The campaign focuses on strengthening coordination among departments, improving legal awareness, empowering frontline functionaries, and mobilising communities - especially to safeguard the rights of adolescent girls.

A key strength of the initiative lies in its integrated approach, which emphasises inter-departmental convergence, capacity building of CMPOs, community sensitisation, and engagement with schools and adolescents. Vigilance at village and block levels, combined with timely response mechanisms and regular monitoring, forms the foundation for effective implementation.

The programme was organised by the District Social Welfare Office, Rayagada, along with AVA Organization, in collaboration with Shakti Organisation, Rayagada, with strong support from the District Administration. This collective effort reinforces a united movement toward a Child Marriage Free Rayagada and contributes to the larger national vision of a Child Marriage Free Bharat.