In 2025, which state government designated District Child Protection Officers as Child Marriage Prohibition Officers to strengthen its fight against child marriage?

The correct answer is Assam . Key Points In 2025, the Assam government designated District Child Protection Officers (DCPOs) as Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) to curb the menace of child marriage in the state. The initiative is part of Assam's broader efforts to strengthen the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, ensuring stricter implementation and enforcement. DCPOs, as CMPOs, are responsible for preventing child marriages, reporting cases to authorities, and ensuring legal actions against those involved in such practices. Assam has been actively working to reduce child marriage rates, which are among the highest in India, with numerous campaigns and legal measures. This step is expected to create a more effective framework for preventing child marriages and safeguarding the rights of children, particularly young girls. Additional Information Kerala Kerala has one of the lowest rates of child marriage in India, largely due to its high literacy rate and awareness campaigns. The state has implemented various women empowerment schemes, such as Kudumbashree, to uplift women and prevent social evils like child marriage. Kerala has also focused on promoting gender equality and providing education to girls. Rajasthan Rajasthan has historically had one of the highest rates of child marriage in India due to deep-rooted social and cultural practices. The state government has been implementing awareness campaigns and legal actions to combat child marriage, especially in rural areas. Under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, Rajasthan has introduced measures to prevent child marriages during festivals like Akshaya Tritiya, when such practices are more prevalent. Haryana Haryana has made significant progress in combating child marriage through campaigns like "Beti Bachao Beti Padhao." The state government has focused on improving female literacy and tackling social issues such as dowry and gender discrimination, which contribute to child marriages. Efforts have also been made to ensure stricter enforcement of laws against child marriage. Main Theme: The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 This is a central law enacted by the Government of India to prevent the solemnization of child marriages. Under this Act, the legal age for marriage is 18 years for females and 21 years for males. The Act provides for the appointment of Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) to implement its provisions effectively. Violation of this law can result in legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment for those responsible for organizing or participating in child marriages.