Bardibas Municipality has introduced a new incentive program aimed at reducing child marriage and encouraging women to marry only after reaching the legal age of 20.

Under the policy announced in the municipality’s budget and policy statement for fiscal year 2083/84, women residing within the municipality who marry after turning 20 will receive a cash incentive of NPR 51,000.

Mayor Pralhad Kumar Kshetri stated that the program is designed to promote awareness about legal-age marriage and discourage the practice of child marriage. The initiative is expected to come into effect from the upcoming fiscal year.

According to municipal officials, the proposal has received positive feedback from various sectors of society. Authorities believe that financial incentives can help strengthen social awareness and encourage families to comply with legal marriage age requirements.

Previously, the municipality had launched a separate incentive scheme for the Musahar community, offering NPR 50,000 to couples who married after reaching the legal age. However, municipal records show that only one couple has claimed the benefit so far.

Out of the municipality’s 14 wards, 13 have already been declared child-marriage-free, while Ward No. 12 remains the only ward yet to achieve that status. Officials hope the new incentive program will further accelerate efforts to eliminate child marriage.

The municipality clarified that the existing incentive program for the Musahar community will continue unchanged, with both male and female beneficiaries remaining eligible due to the higher prevalence of child marriage within the community.

Women’s rights advocates and social activists have welcomed the initiative, describing it as a positive step toward social reform, women's empowerment, and the prevention of child marriage.