Sepahijala Sets a New Benchmark: 10 Villages Declared ‘Aspiring Child Marriage Free’ Under Mission Sangkalp

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, June 29, 2025

In a major leap towards eradicating child marriage and teenage pregnancy, Sepahijala district of Tripura has achieved a milestone as ten villages have been officially declared ‘Aspiring Child Marriage Free Villages (Bronze Category)’ under the state’s flagship Mission Sangkalp. This recognition comes after these villages reported zero cases of child marriage in the past six months, a significant feat for a district previously ranked second-highest in child marriage prevalence across India.

The announcement was made by the Sepahijala district administration following a rigorous assessment and certification process. The villages that earned this prestigious recognition include:

Promod Nagar VC, Doyarampara VC, Twima VC, JK Nagar, East Ratnapur, and West Ratnapur under Jampaijala R.D Block, Ramnagar VC and Batharmura VC under Charilam R.D Block, Rampadapara VC and Padmininagar VC under Nalchar R.D Block

District Magistrate Shidartha Jaiswal, IAS speaking to tripurainfo.com, lauded the combined efforts of police personnel, child line volunteers, Panchayat representatives, and especially the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) of Sepahijala District, for their unwavering commitment to the cause.

He stated, “This recognition is the result of sustained grassroots level efforts, awareness campaigns, community engagement, and strict monitoring. Mission Sangkalp has empowered villages to actively prevent early marriages and protect adolescent health and rights,” DM Said.

Highlighting the comprehensive strategy, Jaiswal elaborated that the administration has adopted a multi-layered intervention model, focusing on preventive education, support mechanisms for vulnerable families, and inter departmental coordination.

With a population of over 5.42 lakh and spread across 1043.04 square kilometers, Sepahijala district is home to 169 villages and 10 police stations, and is known for its rich cultural and ecological landmarks, including the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, Neermahal, and Kashbeswari Kalibari.

Once seen as a child marriage hotspot, Sepahijala is now positioning itself as a model district, demonstrating how governance, community participation, and stakeholder synergy can drive social transformation. The District Administration and District Child Welfare Committee, in particular, has played a crucial role by sensitizing families, conducting outreach programs, and ensuring swift action against violations.

Looking ahead, the District Magistrate emphasized, “Our goal is to elevate more villages from Bronze to Silver and eventually to Gold category. Our mission is not only to eliminate child marriage but to create an environment where every child can live safely, dream freely, and thrive with dignity.”

The Sepahijala administration’s commitment under Mission Sangkalp continues to inspire a state-wide movement, marking a progressive shift towards child rights and gender justice in Tripura.

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