Recent studies throw light on the pervasive issue of child marriage in India, revealing an overall decline across the country. However, certain states like Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra are identified to contribute to over half of the total headcount burden of child marriages among girls. In particular, West Bengal has experienced a surge of 32.3% in child marriages despite various policy interventions. Notably, this translates into over 500,000 additional underage girls getting married.
The Prevalence of Child Marriages
Evidence from the National Family Health Survey-5 ( 2019-21) reveals the prevalence of women aged 20-24 years married before the age of 18 is alarmingly high in West Bengal at 41.6%, compared to the national average of 23.3%. This indicates that despite efforts to curb child marriage through legislation like the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 (PCMA), and initiatives such as the Kanyashree Prakalpa Scheme, the problem persists.
Policy Interventions in West Bengal
The Kanyashree Prakalpa Scheme, launched in 2013, aimed at incentivizing education for teenage girls while discouraging child marriages, covering 81 lakh girls until 2023-24. Despite winning the United Nations Public Service Award in 2017, questions emerged regarding its effectiveness in reducing child marriages.
Alongside the Kanyashree, the West Bengal government also runs the Rupashree Prakalpa, which provides cash incentives for girls’ marriages. However, some families take advantage of both schemes organizing marriages shortly after claiming the school scheme benefit.
Educational Stride Versus Child Marriage Rates
Despite considerable strides in girls’ school enrollment, child marriage rates remain high. According to the All-India Survey of Higher Education for 2020-21, girl’s enrolment in West Bengal (9.29 lakh) was higher than boys (8.63 lakh). The National Family Health Survey-5 also reveals that regions with a high literacy rate, such as the Purba Medinipur district (88%) still bear the burden of child marriages.
Child Marriage: A Cyclical Trap
Experts suggest migration and socio-economic factors influence the prevalence of child marriages. Societal norms and economic factors drive families to marry their underage daughters off before leaving them alone due to migration, creating a cycle where cultural expectations prioritize early marriages.
Challenges in Law Implementation
Apart from social issues, challenges in law enforcement contribute to the persistence of child marriage. The fact that West Bengal recorded 105 cases under the PCMA in 2021 raises concerns since states with smaller populations reported more cases. The proposed Prohibition of Child Marriage (Amendment) Bill, 2021, intending to raise women’s marriage age to 21, is currently under Parliamentary review.
The Impacts of Child Marriage
Child marriage often ends a child’s childhood abruptly, pushing them into adulthood before they are physically and mentally ready. This impacts girls primarily, who often marry significantly older men. The practice also significantly decreases the likelihood of girls staying in school, leading to lifelong economic repercussions. Moreover, child marriage is considered a human rights violation due to its adverse impacts on children’s development.
Maternal and Child Health Implications of Child Marriage
Child brides often become pregnant during adolescence, increasing the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. The practice isolates young girls, affecting their mental health and leaving them susceptible to diseases like HIV. In view of the adverse impacts, UNICEF categorizes child marriage as a human rights violation.
Initiatives to Tackle Child Marriage
Several initiatives such as the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 (PCMA), BetiBachaoBetiPadhao (BBBP) scheme, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012 among others have been rolled out to address this issue.
Way Forward
A comprehensive approach involving legislative measures, social campaigns, transparency in reporting, and law enforcement is needed to tackle child marriage at the grassroots level. The PCMA 2006 must be reviewed to identify loopholes and address them accordingly. The advocacy for the approval of the Prohibition of Child Marriage (Amendment) Bill, 2021, must be emphasized to ensure girls’ empowerment and increased autonomy.