Self-Help Group (SHG) women of Tripura are set to play a larger role in child marriage prevention, with Union Minister Annapurna Devi urging them to become grassroots partners in building a ‘Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat’. During her interaction with SHG members in West Tripura, the Minister highlighted the strength of the state’s 54,000 SHGs and their potential to drive social awareness and community action.
Agartala, June 30 (IANS): Self-Help Group (SHG) women in Tripura have been urged to take a leading role in preventing child marriage and strengthening awareness campaigns at the grassroots level as the Centre intensifies efforts to build a ‘Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat’ (Child Marriage-Free India).
Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi, during her interaction with SHG members at Dukli Block in West Tripura district on Tuesday, called upon women’s groups to actively participate in social initiatives aimed at protecting children and empowering communities.
The Minister said that SHGs, due to their strong presence in rural areas and close connection with local communities, can become powerful partners in identifying cases of child marriage, creating awareness and encouraging families to ensure education and opportunities for young girls.
SHGs Identified as Grassroots Force Against Child Marriage
Highlighting the expanding role of women-led groups, Annapurna Devi said that Self-Help Groups are no longer limited to economic activities but have become important platforms for social change.
She said SHG members can contribute significantly in addressing issues affecting women and children by spreading awareness, supporting vulnerable families and encouraging positive social practices.
The Minister emphasised that preventing child marriage requires active involvement from communities and local organisations, adding that women’s collectives can play a crucial role in bringing behavioural changes at the village level.
Tripura’s 54,000 SHGs Connect 5.40 Lakh Women
During the interaction, the Union Minister highlighted the strength of the SHG network in Tripura.
She said around 54,000 Self-Help Groups are currently operating in the state, connecting nearly 5.40 lakh women. Across India, more than 10 crore women are associated with SHGs, making the movement one of the largest platforms for women’s empowerment and community participation.
She added that nearly three crore women across the country have become ‘Lakhpati Didis’, including around 1.30 lakh from Tripura. These women have achieved an annual household income exceeding Rs 1 lakh through various livelihood opportunities.
According to the Minister, the economic empowerment achieved through SHGs has strengthened women’s confidence and encouraged greater participation in social development activities.
Young Girls Reporting Child Marriage Cases Shows Growing Awareness
Annapurna Devi said the increasing number of young girls coming forward to report child marriage cases is an encouraging indication of rising awareness.
She informed that officials have been deployed at every Gram Panchayat level to monitor child marriage-related issues and ensure timely intervention.
The Minister said awareness among communities is improving and collective efforts from government agencies, local institutions and women’s groups are essential to completely eliminate the practice.
Centre’s Focus on Building Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat
The Union Minister reiterated that the government is committed to achieving the goal of a child marriage-free India.
She said preventing early marriage is closely linked with ensuring education, safety and opportunities for girls. Strengthening community participation remains a key priority under the national campaign against child marriage.
She urged SHG members to become ambassadors of change by encouraging families to prioritise girls’ education and delay marriage until the legally permitted age.
Tripura’s Welfare Initiatives Appreciated
During her three-day visit to Tripura, Annapurna Devi also reviewed various schemes and programmes implemented by the state’s Social Welfare and Social Education Department.
Tripura Social Welfare and Social Education Minister Tinku Roy and senior officials from the Central and state governments attended the review meeting.
The Union Minister appreciated Tripura’s implementation of Central welfare schemes and said the state’s successful practices could be shared with other states.
She also highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” and said inclusive development programmes are essential for strengthening the nation.
SHG Products Showcase Women’s Economic Strength
After meeting SHG members, the Union Minister visited an exhibition displaying products prepared by women-led groups.
She reviewed the stalls showcasing locally produced items and appreciated the entrepreneurial efforts of SHG members.
The exhibition reflected how women’s economic empowerment and social participation are becoming interconnected, with SHGs emerging as platforms for both livelihood generation and community development.
Women’s Groups Seen as Key Partners in Social Transformation
The Union Minister said the contribution of SHG women extends beyond income generation and plays a major role in building stronger communities.
With their growing presence across villages, SHGs are expected to remain important partners in government efforts to eliminate child marriage and promote women and child welfare initiatives.
Annapurna Devi concluded her three-day visit to Tripura and left for New Delhi on Tuesday evening.
