Balod: India’s First “Child Marriage-Free” District Balod district of Chhattisgarh has become the first district in India to be officially declared child marriage-free. All 436 gram panchayats and nine urban bodies in the district were awarded formal certificates by the state government. Key Highlights Aspect Details District Balod, located in Chhattisgarh. National Achievement Became India’s first officially declared child marriage-free district. Certification Coverage All 436 gram panchayats and nine urban bodies received formal certificates. State Role Certificates were awarded by the Chhattisgarh state government. Significance of the Achievement Area Importance Social Reform Marks an important community-level success against child marriage.…
16 May, 2026
Women & child
Assam Polygamy Prohibition Bill, 2025 On 9th November 2025, the Assam Cabinet approved the Assam Polygamy Prohibition Bill, 2025, aimed at banning polygamy in the state. The Bill provides for imprisonment and penalties for offenders irrespective of religion, while exempting tribal areas under the Sixth Schedule. Key Provisions of the Bill Provision Details Main Objective To prohibit the practice of polygamy in Assam. Punishment Provides for rigorous imprisonment up to 7 years along with a fine for offenders. Applicability The Bill applies irrespective of religion. Exempted Areas Tribal areas governed under the Sixth Schedule are exempt from the Bill. Sixth…
14 May, 2026
Women & child
Resham Sakhi Yojana The Uttar Pradesh government has launched the Resham Sakhi Yojana to economically empower rural women. Under this scheme, women will be trained to earn income from sericulture while working from home. Key Features of the Scheme Component Details Scheme Name Resham Sakhi Yojana. Launched By Uttar Pradesh government. Main Objective To provide rural women with income opportunities through home-based sericulture. Target Group Women from rural areas of Uttar Pradesh. Training and Silk Production Training Area Details Silkworm Rearing Rural women will receive training in silkworm rearing for silk production. Mulberry Silk Training for mulberry silk rearing will…
07 May, 2026
Women & child
Gender Budgeting: Towards Women’s Empowerment and Economic Equality In the Union Budget 2026–27, the share of gender budget allocation in the total Union Budget increased to 9.37%, rising from 8.86% in FY 2025–26. This reflects a stronger policy commitment towards women-centred development and gender-sensitive public expenditure. India’s commitment to gender equality is linked to its ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), 1979, in 1993. The first Gender Budget Statement was introduced in 2005–06 and has since been presented annually. Gender budgeting does not mean a separate budget only for women. It…
14 April, 2026
Women & child
Global Gender Gap Index 2025 & India The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025 ranked India 131st out of 148 countries, slipping from 129th position in 2024. While Iceland continued to lead globally, Bangladesh remained the best performer in South Asia at 24th position. The report estimates that global gender parity is still 123 years away. India’s low ranking reflects persistent challenges in economic participation, digital access, health indicators, education outcomes and women’s political representation. Challenge Area Details Economic and Digital Divide About 97% of the female workforce is in the unorganised sector. Only 33% of women use…
14 April, 2026
Women & child
Child Marriages in India: A Barrier to Equality and Development The latest Statistical Report of the Sample Registration System, released in September 2025, presents a concerning picture of child marriages in India. The data shows that early marriage remains a major barrier to girls’ education, health, dignity and economic participation. Child marriage affects long-term development because it increases risks of school dropout, early pregnancy, poor maternal health and intergenerational poverty. The figures highlight the need for legal enforcement along with education, awareness and financial support to keep girls in school. Key Finding Details Female Marriage before 18 Among bigger States/UTs,…
14 April, 2026
Women & child
Child Rights & Protection Marrakech Global Framework for Action: The 6th Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour, held in Marrakech in February 2026, concluded with the adoption of the Marrakech Global Framework for Action. The conference aimed to establish necessary global actions for ending child labour, as the Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.7 to end child labour by 2025 remained unmet. The Framework emphasises that child labour cannot be addressed by law alone. It requires education access, poverty reduction, social protection, decent work for adults, accurate monitoring and regional support for high-burden regions. Key Pillar Details Enforcement…
14 April, 2026
Women & child
Nationwide Integration: Anganwadi Centres & Poshan Tracker On 3rd April 2025, the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD) achieved full integration of all Anganwadi Centres with the Poshan Tracker app, enhancing transparency for over 10 crore registered beneficiaries. Section Details Key Highlights and Reach Target Groups: Benefits children (0–6 years), pregnant women, and lactating mothers under Mission Poshan 2.0. Inclusivity: The platform supports 24 Indian languages and has achieved high Aadhaar verification to prevent duplication. Digital Synergy: Integrates nutrition services with the Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi initiative, training 13.9 lakh workers in early childhood education. Operational Impact Real-Time Monitoring:…
05 April, 2026
Women & child
20 Years of Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act completed 20 years since its enactment on September 13, 2025. The law came into force on October 26, 2006 and remains a key framework for protecting women from violence within domestic relationships. Before this Act, legal remedies were fragmented. Section 498A of the IPC mainly dealt with criminal cruelty, but women also needed civil remedies such as protection orders, residence rights, monetary relief and immediate household-level safety. Aspect Details Broad definition Covers physical, sexual, verbal, emotional and economic abuse. Right to residence…
03 April, 2026
Women & child