**Agartala, February 12:** Social Welfare and Social Education Minister Tinku Roy on Thursday termed child marriage a “social curse” and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to eradicating the practice completely from Tripura. He was addressing an awareness programme on *Bal Bibaha Mukta Bharat* (Child Marriage-Free India) and gender-based violence held at a private hotel in Agartala.
Emphasising that the state’s overall development depends on equal rights and opportunities for both men and women, Roy called for a collective social movement to eliminate child marriage. He said the government has set a target of bringing such cases down to zero and is adopting a multi-pronged strategy to achieve the goal.
According to the Minister, the Social Welfare Department has been enforcing strict legal measures while simultaneously strengthening awareness initiatives. Platforms such as *Balika Mancha* in schools are being expanded, and several areas have been declared child marriage-free zones. He informed that more than 1,000 awareness campaigns were conducted across the state in the past year, helping prevent over 700 child marriages.
Roy urged parents, community leaders and local bodies to work in coordination with the administration to ensure that no girl is forced into marriage before attaining the legal age.
During the programme, financial assistance was distributed under the *Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana*, which provides ₹50,000 to eligible brides from Antyodaya families prior to marriage. Girls aged 18 and above can apply through Panchayat, CDPO or SDM offices with valid age proof and bank details. Applications are verified by Panchayat authorities before funds are released.
The event was attended by Women’s Commission Chairperson Jharna Debbarma, Child Protection Commission Chairperson Jayanti Debbarma, and Social Welfare Director Tapan Kumar Das, among others.
