As India observes the National Day of the Girl Child on January 24, a stark reality demands our attention. Recent statistics reveal that despite penalties for child marriage, one in five girls and one in six boys in India still marry below the legal age. This revelation stems from the first comprehensive study of child marriage patterns in the country over three decades, based on the Union Health Ministry’s national family health surveys.
Child marriage, illegal in India, robs children of their right to education and a violence-free childhood. Early marriages, particularly before 18, hinder academic completion, limiting job opportunities and lifetime income. This not only impacts individuals but also detrimentally affects families and communities.
The urgent need to curb child marriage arises from its adverse effects on the health and safety of girls and infants. Early marriages increase the risk of premature childbirth, jeopardising the well-being of both young mothers and their babies. Prioritising the elimination of child marriage ensures a brighter, healthier future for all children and contributes to the overall well-being of communities.
Declining Trends, Persistent Challenges
The findings, published in the journal Lancet Global Health, highlight a decline in the prevalence of child marriage among girls, dropping from about 49 per cent in 1993 to approximately 22 per cent in 2021. However, among boys, 15.49 per cent married below the legal age of 21 in 2021, while the focus on marriage before 18 shows a decline from 7 per cent in 1993 to 2per cent in 2021.
Extrapolating these rates to the projected population, the study estimates that over 1.3 crore girls and 14 lakh boys in India married before turning 18 in 2021. These alarming figures underscore the persistent challenges in combating child marriage despite legal provisions.
Policy Dilemmas And Regional Variations
As discussions surrounding the age of marriage for women intensify, with a parliamentary panel considering raising it to 21, the study's lead, S.V. Subramanian, emphasises the need for a nuanced approach. The study identifies a "stagnation" in the decline of child marriage after substantial drops between 2006 and 2016. Bengal, Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh emerge as states grappling with high prevalence rates. Bihar accounted for 16 per cent of the 1.3 crore girls in 2021 who married below the age of 18, followed by Bengal (15 per cent), Uttar Pradesh (12 per cent), and Maharashtra (8 per cent). Among the 14 lakh boys who married below the age of 18 in 2021, Gujarat accounted for 29 per cent, followed by Bihar (16 per cent), Bengal (12 per cent) and Uttar Pradesh (8 per cent).
Bihar and Bengal, in particular, account for significant portions of underage marriages, raising concerns about the efficacy of existing legal frameworks and the potential consequences of raising the marriage age.
Taking A Stand: Actions Against Child Marriage
Here are three actionable steps to combat child marriage:
1. Report: Actively report any instances of child marriage to the proper authorities.
2. Educate: Raise awareness within your social circles about the harmful consequences of child marriage.
3. Commit: Commit to avoid participating in any event that supports or promotes child marriage.
How To Report A Child Marriage In India
For those witnessing child marriages in their vicinity, reporting to the nearest panchayat, police station, or child-focused charity is crucial. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, passed in 2006, sets the legal age at 21 for men and 18 for women, with penalties including imprisonment.
Concerned individuals can contact the Childline helpline on 1098 if they prefer to remain anonymous. However, personal safety remains paramount, and immediate intervention is necessary in cases where danger is imminent.
Let's collectively work towards a future where every child can grow, learn, and thrive without the shackles of early marriage.
If you encounter a child being forced into marriage, call CHILDLINE on 1098 for immediate assistance.