Child Marriages in India

Child Marriages in India

How rampant are child marriages in India? What are its reasons? What are the consequences of child marriage? Read further to know more.

The Indian government has recently considered raising the marriage age for women in India from 18 to 21 years.

They do this because delaying marriage could have a significant positive impact on public health and provide actual benefits to both individuals and society.

In this context, let us analyze the topic in detail.

Table of Contents

Child marriages in India

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A young child (usually a girl under the age of fifteen) marries an adult man in child marriage, a social phenomenon that happens in many Indian civilizations.

In a second sort of child, marriage practice, the parents of the two children (the boy and the girl) plan a future union. The boy and girl don’t actually meet until they are legally able to get married, at which point the wedding is over. Women must be 18 years old to get married, while men must be 21.

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India’s child marriage statistics

It is estimated that there are around 24 million child brides in India. The National Family Health Survey estimates that 40% of the 60 million child marriages worldwide occur in India.

State-wise pattern of Child Marriage

Reasons for child marriage in India

The reasons for child marriages in India are discussed below.

Consequences of child marriage

The consequences of child marriage are discussed below.

Measures taken to avoid child marriage

Various measures were taken during the different time periods.

Actions conducted during the colonial era

Act of 2006 forbidding child marriage

Compulsory Registration of Marriages Act, 2006

A committee to review the legal age for women to get married

Right to Education Act 2009

International Partnerships

Sexual contact with a minor is considered rape under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act, and the minor’s “consent” is regarded as invalid because they are too young to give consent.

Way Forward

Various suggestions can be used to improve the situation of child marriages in India.

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Article Written By: Atheena Fathima Riyas