Child Marriages in India
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: TH
Subject: Society and Vulnerable sections
Context: Despite 18 years of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, Andhra Pradesh continues to report a high incidence of child marriage, highlighting gaps between law and social reality.
About Child Marriages in India:
What it is?
• Child marriage refers to the formal or informal union where one or both parties are below 18 years of age, violating children’s rights to education, health, protection and choice.
• It disproportionately affects girls, exposing them to early pregnancy, domestic violence, school dropout and long-term economic dependence.
Historical evolution:
• Colonial era: Social reform movements (Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar) highlighted early marriage as a social evil.
• Legislative steps: Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929 (Sarda Act) – minimum age fixed but weak enforcement. Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 – declared child marriage voidable, introduced penalties and Child Marriage Prohibition Officers.
• Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929 (Sarda Act) – minimum age fixed but weak enforcement.
• Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 – declared child marriage voidable, introduced penalties and Child Marriage Prohibition Officers.
• Recent push: National campaigns like Bal Vivah-Mukt Bharat aim to eliminate child marriage by 2030 in line with SDG-5.
Trends of child marriage in India:
• About 16% of girls aged 15–19 are currently married, though prevalence declined from 47% (2005–06) to ~27% (2015–16).
• India still accounts for ~1.5 million child marriages annually, the highest globally in absolute numbers.
• Higher prevalence persists in economically vulnerable regions such as Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and parts of Madhya Pradesh.
Reasons for child marriage:
• Poverty and economic distress: Poor households perceive early marriage as a way to reduce care costs and secure social protection for daughters.
E.g. NFHS analysis shows child marriage is far higher among the poorest wealth quintile than the richest.
• Lack of awareness: Limited understanding of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act and adolescent health risks weakens legal deterrence.
E.g. Surveys under Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat found low awareness of penalties and the legal marriage age.
• Entrenched gender norms: Patriarchal beliefs treat girls as paraya dhan, prioritising marriage over education and autonomy.
E.g. Social studies show norms change slowly even when female education improves.
• School dropouts: Distance to schools, safety concerns and costs push girls out of secondary education, increasing vulnerability.
E.g. UNICEF data shows completing secondary education sharply lowers the risk of early marriage.
• Social pressure and stigma: Fear of elopement and loss of “family honour” drives families to arrange early marriages.
E.g. Authorities report spikes in secret mass marriages on culturally auspicious days.
Challenges associated:
• Weak enforcement: Low conviction rates dilute the deterrent effect of the law despite frequent prevention efforts.
E.g. Judicial observations highlight severe pendency and slow disposal of child marriage cases.
• Family complicity: Entire families often support early marriage, limiting scope for timely intervention.
E.g. Courts have noted use of informal betrothals to bypass legal scrutiny.
• Institutional gaps: Inadequate shelters, counselling services and trained officers weaken rescue and rehabilitation.
E.g. Many Child Marriage Prohibition Officers hold additional charge without specialised capacity.
• Gendered health impacts: Adolescent motherhood raises risks of anaemia, maternal mortality and low birth-weight infants.
E.g. Nutrition audits link early marriage districts with poor maternal-child health outcomes.
Way ahead:
• Education-first strategy: Retaining girls in secondary education delays marriage and expands life choices.
E.g. Conditional cash transfers tied to schooling have significantly postponed marriage age.
• Economic support to families: Cash-plus and skill-based interventions reduce poverty-driven marriage decisions.
E.g. Upgraded Anganwadi centres now provide vocational and life-skills training for adolescents.
• Community engagement: Shifting norms requires panchayats, faith leaders and youth ownership of prevention.
E.g. Village-level “Child Marriage-Free” declarations have created positive social pressure.
• Stronger enforcement: Dedicated units, digital reporting and swift FIRs improve accountability.
E.g. Centralised online portals now enable real-time alerts and faster administrative response.
• Integrated adolescent empowerment: Linking protection with health, nutrition and legal awareness ensures sustained impact.
E.g. Nari Adalats combine community mediation with legal backing to prevent early unions.
Conclusion:
Child marriage is not merely a legal violation but a symptom of poverty, gender inequality and social neglect. While laws and campaigns exist, their success depends on education, economic security and community-level change. Ending child marriage is essential for safeguarding children’s rights and breaking intergenerational cycles of deprivation.
Q. By addressing the root causes of child marriage and implementing targeted interventions, we can create a future where girls are empowered to reach their full potential, free from the harmful effects of early and forced marriage. Discuss. (250 words)