New Delhi: In a rare show of cross-party consensus, over 20 Members of Parliament from different political parties came together in the national capital under the banner of ‘MPs for Children’, pledging to work towards eliminating child marriage in India by 2030.
The meeting, supported by Just Rights for Children, focused on tackling child marriage and addressing emerging threats to children from digital platforms. MPs emphasised the need to raise these issues in Parliament through Zero Hour discussions, Private Members’ Bills, and constituency-level interventions.
The MPs for Children Forum, launched on November 17, 2024, has already seen support from 38 MPs across parties. The initiative is backed by Just Rights for Children, a network of over 250 NGOs working in more than 450 districts on child protection.
Speaking at the dialogue, Telugu Desam Party leader Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, who convenes the forum, said child marriage is an issue that transcends political and social divisions.
“Child marriage is not about any one party or religion. There is broad consensus across political lines that it must end. India has demonstrated collective resolve in eradicating polio and expanding school access. With similar commitment, eliminating child marriage by 2030 is achievable,” he said.
Devarayalu also raised concerns about the impact of digital platforms on children and called for age-appropriate restrictions on social media usage. He has introduced a Private Member’s Bill in the Lok Sabha proposing amendments to the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006, including stricter penalties, dedicated Child Marriage Prohibition Officers, special courts, and a digital reporting mechanism.
Bhuwan Ribhu, Founder of Just Rights for Children, urged Parliamentarians to prioritise child protection both within legislative processes and at the grassroots level.
“Child protection is not only a social responsibility but a national priority. Ensuring children are protected from harm, both online and offline, is fundamental to nation-building,” he said.
Ribhu also proposed the declaration of a ‘National Day for Child Marriage Free India’, arguing that such recognition would strengthen accountability across government and society. He has also called on the United Nations to establish a global day dedicated to ending child marriage.
The MPs further highlighted the growing risks of technology-enabled child exploitation, calling for stronger safeguards and policy interventions in the digital space.
Among those present were MPs from across parties, including BJP, Congress, CPI(ML), CPM, SP, DMK, JD(U), IUML and TDP, reflecting a broad political consensus on child protection issues.
The initiative builds on the ongoing national campaign against child marriage. As part of the Government of India’s 100-day intensive drive, the Bal Vivah Mukti Rath campaign has mobilised awareness across 28 states and 439 districts, with participation from over 100 MPs, senior ministers, and district administrations.
