NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar Sets 2030 Goal to End Child Marriage in India

National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar announced a national target to eliminate child marriage by 2030, with an interim aim of reducing the incidence by 10 % by 2026. She highlighted that the current national child‑marriage rate stands at 23.3 %, while states such as West Bengal, Bihar and Tripura record rates above 40 %.

During a press conference and a state‑level workshop in Agartala, Rahatkar discussed related measures including stronger implementation of the POSH Act, gender‑sensitive policing, and intensified efforts to curb human trafficking. She met with Tripura’s chief secretary, BSF officials, and local self‑help groups, stressing the border state’s vulnerability to girl trafficking and the role of women‑led SHGs in economic empowerment.

Rahatkar expressed confidence that Tripura’s government will support these initiatives, positioning the state to contribute significantly to the national goal of eradicating child marriage before 2030.