Addressing the Persistent Challenge of Child Marriage in India Through Education and Legal Enforcement
Despite a significant decline in child marriage rates from 47.4% (2005-06) to 23.3% (2019-21), the practice remains a major social issue in India. The article highlights a direct correlation between child marriage, poverty, and lack of education, with girls from the lowest wealth quintile and those with no education being most vulnerable. While legal frameworks like the Prevention of Child Marriage Act exist, low conviction rates and the unintended consequences of the POCSO Act pose challenges. Achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal of ending child marriage requires a multi-pronged approach involving education and improved infrastructure.
Key Points
- National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data shows that child marriage rates are highest in states like West Bengal, Bihar, and Tripura.
- Education is a critical deterrent; only 4% of girls with higher education were married before 18, compared to 48% of those with no education.
- The Prevention of Child Marriage Act, 2006, faces implementation hurdles, including low conviction rates and infrequent application of the law.
- The 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' campaign needs to focus more on vulnerable communities and provide safe infrastructure like clean toilets and transport.
Exam Facts
- India aims to end child marriage by 2030 under the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
- The Prevention of Child Marriage Act was enacted in 2006.
- NFHS-5 (2019-21) reported a child marriage rate of 23.3% in India.
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