Bhubaneswar, February 8: Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy and OSCPCR Chairperson Babita Patra launched the ‘Bal Vivah Mukti Rath’ on Sunday to raise awareness against child marriage.

The flag-off ceremony was held in Bhubaneswar, organised by Just Rights for Children with partner NGO Ruchika Social Service Organisation.

The Rath, featuring a pledge wall and awareness messages, will travel across Odisha until March 8 ( International Women's Day), as part of a nationwide campaign to end child marriage.

Initiated by Just Rights for Children (JRC), the Rath will travel both urban and remote areas, using vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles to spread its message.

The JRC, supported by over 250 NGOs, aims to eradicate child marriage by 2030.

Padhy emphasized the state government's commitment to tackling child marriage, mentioning proactive measures like appointing officials to oversee child marriage prohibition.

OSCPCR Chairperson Babita Patra hailed the collaborative efforts between the government and civil society organizations in fighting child marriage.