The recent study published in ‘The Lancet Global Health’ journal provided an insight on the child marriage scenario in India, indicating both positive changes and setbacks. According to the report, the percentage of girl child marriages in India dropped from 49% in 1993 to 22% in 2021. Boy child marriages also decreased from 7% in 2006 to 2% in 2021. Yet, the progress between 2016 and 2021 has stagnated, with some states experiencing a rise in child marriages.
The State-wise Status and Global Trends
In six states, including Manipur, Punjab, Tripura, and West Bengal, the number of girl child marriages increased. While eight states, such as Chhattisgarh, Goa, Manipur, and Punjab, saw a surge in boy child marriages. Globally, the fight against child marriage had been effective, but the Covid-19 pandemic has reversed the progress, putting an additional 10 million girls at risk of early marriage over the next decade.
Primary Factors Leading to Child Marriage
Economic factors play a significant role in child marriages. Families living in poverty often perceive marriage as a way to lessen their economic burden, as the girl’s responsibility shifts to her husband’s family. Social norms and traditional practices further encourage early marriages. The practice is passed down generations due to family and community pressures. Gender inequality and discrimination also contribute to child marriage, as girls usually have less access to education and opportunities compared to boys.
Child Marriage: A Human Rights Violation
UNICEF classifies child marriage as a violation of human rights as it impacts both boys and girls adversely. The UN Sustainable Development Goal 5.3 emphasizes that eliminating child marriage is crucial for achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls by 2030. Globally, 19% of young women were married in childhood in 2022, according to UN statistics.
Legal Provisions and Initiatives Against Child Marriage in India
India’s primary legislation against child marriage is the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, enacted in 2006. This law sets the legal age for marriage at 21 for men and 18 for women. The act also allows State Governments to appoint ‘Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPO)’ responsible for preventing child marriages. The government has also proposed an amendment to this act to raise the age of marriage for women to 21 years.
The Role of Schemes in Combating Child Marriage
India has introduced several schemes like Dhanalakshmi Scheme and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) to discourage child marriage. The Dhanalakshmi Scheme offers cash transfers and insurance coverage for a girl child, while BBBP empowers girls through education, health, and protection.
Innovative Approaches in Addressing Child Marriage
The Odisha Government has devised a comprehensive method to tackle child marriage. They monitor school attendance and village presence, use the Advika platform for girls aged 10 to 19, and provide incentives for villages free of child marriage.
Future Strategies to Eradicate Child Marriage
Economic empowerment initiatives, community engagement through art and media, and peer education and mentorship programs are some ways to move forward. Vocational training and entrepreneurship opportunities can provide alternatives to early marriage. Simultaneously, using art-based workshops and theater performances can educate communities about the harmful impacts of child marriage. Finally, training young leaders as advocates against child marriage can empower them to educate their peers within their communities.
