Child Marriage

Almost one in every three married woman having been wed while she was still under the age of 18 years – Highest in the central and western parts of India, & more in rural areas.

Reasons

Low education opportunities due to low quality of education, inadequate infrastructure & lack of transport.
People feel that the traditions & norms are stronger than the law & institutions
Girls are often seen as a liability with limited economic role
Dowry amount increases with the age & education level of the girl
Law enforcement to prohibit child marriage is relatively weak

Implications

Deprives children of access to education & thereby better opportunities in future
Limits the child’s freedom of decision & thus, domestic violence thrives
Associated with multiple health risks as young brides have limited access to contraceptive health services
Exposed to early and frequent sexual relations & to repeated pregnancies before they are physically mature and psychologically ready
Perpetuates gender discrimination & illiteracy + high infant & maternal mortality rates

Government Initiatives

Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 – llegal for girls to marry under 18 years & for boys under 21 years
A non-cognizable and non-bailable offence with fine upto 1 lakh or 2 years of Jail or both
Dowry Prohibition Act 1961
Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015
Domestic Violence Act 2005
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012

✅ 10 Key Points on Child Marriage:

Definition: Child marriage is the formal or informal union of a child below the age of 18 years, violating legal and human rights.
Legal Framework in India: Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 prohibits child marriage and declares such marriages voidable.
Causes: Poverty, illiteracy, gender discrimination, social customs, and lack of awareness are key drivers of child marriage.
Impact on Girls: Early pregnancy, health risks, malnutrition, domestic violence, and denial of education are major consequences for girl children.
Impact on Society: It perpetuates cycles of poverty, illiteracy, and poor health outcomes, especially in rural and backward areas.
Statistics: Despite laws, India still has a high prevalence of child marriages, especially in certain states like Rajasthan, Bihar, and West Bengal.
International Commitments: India is a signatory to UNCRC and Sustainable Development Goal 5, aiming to eliminate child marriage by 2030.
Government Initiatives: Schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Kanyashree, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, and awareness campaigns target child marriage prevention.
Role of Community & NGOs: Local bodies, women’s groups, and NGOs play a crucial role in monitoring, reporting, and counseling to prevent child marriage.
Way Forward: Strengthening law enforcement, community sensitization, empowering girls through education and skill development are key to eradicating child marriage.

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