Syllabus: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes
Context and National Commitment
- India has committed to end child marriage by 2030 under the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Union government marked one year of Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Abhiyan with a 100-day awareness campaign.
- Despite progress, child marriage remains a major barrier to health, education, and poverty reduction.
Trends and Data on Child Marriage
- Child marriage declined from 47.4% (2005–06) to 23.3% (2019–21).
- Data sourced from National Family Health Survey (NFHS).
- Progress remains uneven across States and social groups.
- Highest prevalence among women (18–29 years) in West Bengal, Bihar, and Tripura.
- High incidence also reported in Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan.
Linkages with Poverty and Education
- Strong correlation exists between child marriage, poverty, and low education.
- UN Population Fund analysis of NFHS highlights disparities.
- 40% girls from the lowest wealth quintile married before adulthood.
- Only 8% girls from the highest wealth quintile married early.
- 48% girls with no education married before 18 years.
- Merely 4% girls with higher education faced child marriage.
Legal Framework and Enforcement Gaps
- Prevention of Child Marriage Act, 2006 is the primary legal instrument.
- National Crime Records Bureau shows low enforcement and conviction rates.
- Use of POCSO Act creates unintended consequences for consenting adolescents.
- Fear of criminalisation drives girls to unsafe, unregulated health practices.
Health, Education, and Policy Challenges
- Child marriage causes poor maternal and child health outcomes.
- Incentive-based schemes fail without addressing structural vulnerabilities.
- Example: West Bengal shows high child marriage despite cash incentives for girls.
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao must better target most vulnerable communities.
- Supporting infrastructure like clean toilets and safe transport is essential for school retention.
Broader Developmental Implications
- Girls Not Brides notes nine of 17 SDGs depend on ending child marriage.
- Without addressing poverty, education, health, and gender inequality, policy-practice gaps will persist.
- Ending child marriage is crucial for inclusive and sustainable development.