Where does India stand on child marriage?, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• The Union government observed the first anniversary of Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Abhiyan with a 100-day awareness campaign.
• UNICEF estimated that 64 crore girls globally married in childhood in 2023, with one-third in India.
• India has reduced child marriage from 47.4% in 2005-06 to 23.3% in 2019-21, according to NFHS data.
• Highest child marriage rates are in West Bengal (42%), Bihar (40%), and Tripura (39%).
• Since the Bal Vivah Mukt Abhiyan began, 1,520 child marriages have been prevented.

Detailed Insights:

• The UN Sustainable Development Goal 5.3 aims to eliminate harmful practices like child marriage by 2030.
• Progress on reducing child marriage is crucial for achieving at least nine SDGs, including poverty reduction, food security, and gender equality.
• Child marriage rates are significantly higher among girls with no education (48%) and those from the lowest wealth quintile (40%).
• The Prevention of Child Marriage Act, 2006 and the POCSO Act, 2012 have helped reduce child marriage, but social norms and education are critical.
• The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme aims to improve the child sex ratio and promote education, but its implementation has been inconsistent.
• The government proposed raising the minimum marriage age for women to 21, but concerns exist about potential criminalization without social reforms.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Child Marriage: Marriage of a person before the age of 18.
• SDG 5.3: UN Sustainable Development Goal target to eliminate harmful practices, including child marriage.
• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: Indian government scheme to address declining child sex ratio and promote education for girls.