The Ministry of Women and Child Development has launched an appeal to the public to report suspected cases of child marriage by calling the national Child Helpline 1098. Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi made this call on 25 August 2026, urging citizens to take action whenever they encounter or suspect child marriage in their communities.
What the ministry is asking
The Union Minister emphasised that child marriage causes serious harm to children’s rights, education, health and future prospects. She called on all citizens to avoid silence on the issue and instead report cases immediately to the Child Helpline 1098.
The appeal frames child marriage as more than a social problem. According to the ministry’s position, it represents a direct threat to the wellbeing and development of children. The government is seeking public participation in identifying and stopping such cases before they occur.
The helpline number 1098 is the dedicated channel through which people can lodge complaints about child marriage. The message targets widespread awareness and encourages ordinary citizens, not just authorities, to become part of the effort to prevent child marriages.
What this means for you
If you become aware of any child marriage taking place or being planned in your locality, you now have a direct line to report it without needing to approach a police station first. The helpline operates as the entry point for receiving and responding to complaints. The government’s push suggests that reporting such cases is a civic responsibility that citizens should fulfill rather than overlook. By using 1098, you can help protect a child’s right to education, health and a secure future.