Balod, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai administered an oath to over 20,000 people to prevent child marriage during the concluding ceremony of the country’s first National Rover-Ranger Jamboree. The mass oath-taking event, held at Dudhli village near the district headquarters, earned a place in the Golden Book of World Records, marking a historic achievement for Balod district.

Addressing the gathering, CM Sai described child marriage as a serious social challenge that requires active public participation to be eradicated. He urged citizens to sensitize their families and neighbours about the ill effects of the practice and work towards its complete elimination. The participants, including Rover-Rangers, Scouts and Guides, and local residents, pledged to prevent child marriages, report instances to the administration, and spread awareness.

The Chief Minister lauded the district administration’s efforts in the “Child Marriage-Free” campaign. He presented the Golden Book of World Records certificate and a medal to Balod Collector Mrs Divya Umesh Mishra to commemorate the feat.

The event was attended by School Education Minister Gajendra Yadav, MP Bhojraj Nag, and Bharat Scouts and Guides Chief National Commissioner KK Khandelwal, along with other senior officials and representatives from across the country.