1 in 5 girls in India married before 18 years: govt report

With one in five girls in India married before the age of 18, the government has launched an ambitious campaign, Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat (Child Marriage-Free India), targeting seven high-burden states.

Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi unveiled the initiative on Wednesday, urging states and Union Territories to develop action plans to reduce child marriage rates to below 5 per cent by 2029.

“Child marriage is one of the most severe forms of human rights violations and is a criminal offence under the law,” Devi said at the launch event.

She acknowledged the enormity of the challenge, but expressed optimism, citing the prevention of nearly two lakh child marriages in the past year.

The campaign would focus on seven states where child marriage rates remain alarmingly high: West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Tripura, Assam, and Andhra Pradesh. Devi highlighted that nearly 300 districts in India report child marriage rates above the national average. “Child marriage is a practice that limits the potential of millions of girls,” she said.

While praising the role of the Prevention of Child Marriage Act, the minister underlined that legal measures alone are insufficient. “Legislation alone cannot eradicate this issue. We must also focus on raising awareness,” she added.

Devi pointed to progress made in recent years, citing a United Nations report that attributed South Asia’s decline in child marriage rates to India’s efforts. “Figures reveal that nearly two lakh child marriages have been prevented in a single year,” she noted.

As part of the initiative, the government has launched the Child Marriage-Free Bharat portal, which will serve as a platform to raise awareness, report cases, and monitor progress. Devi said the campaign aligns with the vision of a developed India by 2047. “For India to achieve its full potential, the full participation of women and girls in nation-building is essential,” she stated.

The minister also credited government schemes such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, Samagra Shiksha, and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana for empowering girls through education, financial security, and health initiatives. “With the introduction of the National Education Policy 2020 and scholarships for disadvantaged groups, we are creating opportunities for girls to realise their potential,” she said.

Devi acknowledged that patriarchal norms continue to perpetuate child marriages. “Patriarchal norms pose significant challenges, but initiatives like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao have proven effective in shifting societal mindsets. With consistent efforts, we can create an enabling environment for our girls,” she asserted.

She also highlighted other initiatives, including gender-inclusive communication guides, Nari Adalats, and safe-city projects under the Nirbhaya Fund, aimed at addressing cultural barriers and ensuring women’s safety.

The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024 highlighted the progress made but noted that significant challenges remain. In India, one in five girls is married before the age of 18, compared to one in four 25 years ago. The report also flagged issues such as violence against women and the lack of autonomy over sexual and reproductive health.

“We cannot stop until India is completely free of child marriages,” Devi said, urging citizens to actively participate in this mission. “I urge everyone to take a pledge to ensure no child marriage takes place in their community. Together, we can achieve this vision of a developed and equitable India.”