Where Girls Rise — Not as Brides, But as Leaders

Balika Manch is a school-based initiative in Tripura that empowers girls to stay in school, speak up, and prevent child marriages — through community, support, and courage.

“I didn't know I had a choice — until Balika Manch showed me.”
- Rupa, Class 8, South Tripura

Join the movement See the impact

450+

child marriages prevented

500+

girls supported to stay in school

Balika Manch Led by Girls, Backed by Leaders

Balika Manch is a girl-led, school-based initiative under the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao scheme, working to prevent child marriage and ensure that every girl in Tripura has the right to stay in school and shape her own future.

Originally launched in 2020, the program was revived in 2022 by IAS officer Saju Vaheed, then District Magistrate of South Tripura. His leadership brought new life to the initiative, empowering schools, teachers, and students to intervene early — preventing over 150 child marriages in just one year.

The movement is supported by the Government of Tripura and the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Dr. Manik Saha, whose commitment to girl child education and empowerment has made Balika Manch a model of community-led impact.

“If women hold high positions, society will be much more prosperous and developed. Because if mothers and sisters are not protected, no progress can be made.”

Prof. Dr. Manik Saha Hon'ble Chief Minister, Tripura

“If a girl is forced into marriage before she's ready, we don't just lose a student — we lose a future. Balika Manch was built to stop that from happening.”

Saju Vaheed IAS, District Magistrate

The Challenge We're Facing

Tripura has the second-highest rate of child marriage in India. More than 1 in 5 girls between the ages of 15 and 19 are married — often dropping out of school and losing their chance to choose their future. In some districts, nearly a quarter of girls never make it past secondary school because of early marriage.

21.6%

Girls Married before 19

215

Dropouts due to marriage

24.1%

Child Marriage Rate in South Tripura

2nd

Rank in India for child marriage

Every statistic hides a story — of a girl forced to leave school, of a childhood interrupted too soon. We believe every girl deserves to grow, to learn, and to lead her own life.

A Girl-Led Movement, Built in Every School

Balika Manch is a school-based girls’ club designed to empower students, raise awareness, and prevent child marriage — right from within the classroom. Each club is led by a female teacher and includes one girl from each class (6–12), supported by the school’s management committee. Together, they create a safe, informed, and responsive space for girls to speak up, support one another, and act early when risks arise.

Meet the Team Behind Every Club

Each Balika Manch club is powered by girls, guided by teachers, and supported by school leadership.

Chairperson

Female teacher who leads and facilitates the club

Members

One girl from each class (6-12) who participate actively

Convenor

Woman from the School Management Committee who advises

Coordinator

Teacher-in-charge, reports issues and ensures action

From Concern to Action

How Balika Manch Clubs Intervene to Protect Girls

A Concern is Noticed

It starts with something small — a girl missing school for days, a sudden withdrawal, or signs of fear and pressure at home. These are often red flags noticed by classmates, teachers, or club members. By staying alert to these changes, Balika Manch clubs are able to catch early signs of potential child marriage risks.

Alert Raised in WhatsApp Group

Once a concern is identified, the girl-led club’s chairperson or teacher coordinator shares the details in a district-level WhatsApp group. This direct line includes the District Magistrate, child protection officers, and police — ensuring the case is escalated immediately and confidentially, without delays or paperwork.

Authorities Respond in Real-Time

Within hours, local authorities and protection staff visit the home to speak with the girl and her family. They assess the situation, intervene if a marriage is being planned, and provide counseling to help the family understand the legal and emotional harm. This quick, on-ground response is what prevents the marriage before it can happen.

The Girl is Supported to Rejoin School

After stopping the marriage, the system doesn’t stop at intervention — it helps her continue her education. Through ₹5,000 financial aid, emotional support from teachers, and encouragement from peers, the girl is reintegrated into school life with dignity and strength. This step ensures she doesn’t just escape harm — she regains her future.

Did you know?

Balika Manch clubs can directly trigger emergency intervention through district WhatsApp groups — connecting teachers, child protection, and police within minutes.

Where the Movement Lives

Balika Manch isn't an idea — it's active in schools across Tripura, supporting hundreds of girls every day.

346

Clubs Established

Balika Manch clubs have been activated in schools across Tripura.

12540

Girls Reached

Girls who received awareness, peer support, or training through the clubs.

2173

Children Counselled

At-risk children who were identified and supported through early intervention.

468

Marriages Prevented

Child marriages that were stopped thanks to timely alerts and district response.

From Awareness to Action

Every club is a space where girls speak up, support each other, and take real action to protect their peers.