Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, is taking a bold step towards eradicating child marriage. Inspired by the Government of India's 100-Day Intensive Action Plan, the Chittoor-based NGO Rural Education and Liberty (REAL) has embarked on a mission to make the district child marriage-free within a year. This ambitious goal is part of a national campaign, the 100 Days Intensive Awareness Campaign, which aims to eliminate child marriage across India. REAL's strategy involves a multi-faceted approach, targeting schools, religious institutions, marriage service providers, and local government bodies to curb this harmful practice. With a proven track record, REAL has already prevented over one lakh child marriages nationwide, including 209 in Chittoor district alone over the last year. The organization's efforts include awareness programs, pledge ceremonies, and legal education, emphasizing the legal consequences for those involved in child marriages. REAL Director S. Rama Rao believes that this collaborative effort involving elected representatives, government agencies, law enforcement, and community engagement will be a turning point in India's fight against child marriage, with the campaign concluding on International Women's Day in 2026.
