Child marriage continues to be one of the deepest-rooted social issues in India. Despite economic progress, technological advancements, expanding education systems, and strong legal frameworks, thousands of children every year are married off before reaching adulthood. The problem is not just a historical leftover; it is an ongoing crisis.
Image: Child marriage
Introduction: A Silent Emergency
Child marriage refers to the marriage of a girl below the age of 18 or a boy below 21. UNICEF estimates that 12 million girls worldwide are married before 18 every year. India, despite improvements, still contributes significantly to these global numbers.
The practice is illegal, dangerous, and harmful, yet persistent.
In this in-depth report, we examine the origins, present-day realities, causes, impacts, laws, case studies, and the possible roadmap for ending child marriage in India.
Historical Background
Child marriage is not new. It dates back centuries when societies believed early marriage ensured protection, maintained caste purity, and relieved families of financial burdens. Cultural norms around “honor” and gender roles further strengthened it. Even today, many communities view daughters as economic liabilities and sons as lineage holders.
But science, law, and human rights now prove that early marriage damages health, denies education, and traps generations in poverty.
Current Scenario in India
India has made progress, but child marriage still exists, sometimes openly, sometimes secretly.
Key Observations:
- Rural areas report higher numbers than urban areas
- Girls constitute the majority of child brides
- COVID-19 worsened the situation due to job losses
- Social pressure and fear of “society” drive parents to hide cases
- In some states, poverty and lack of education are major triggers
Even with modernization, smartphones, and awareness campaigns, the deep-rooted mindset around child marriage remains resistant.
Why Does Child Marriage Still Happen?
Poverty
One of the biggest reasons. Families often believe that:
- Early marriage reduces expenses
- A younger bride means lower dowry
- One less mouth to feed
Image: End child marriage
Poverty and survival pressure push parents into making harmful decisions.
Gender Inequality
Girls are often considered as “Paraya dhan” – A burden. Someone who must be married early to “protect honor”
This unequal thinking continues to fuel child marriage.
Lack of Education
Uneducated parents:
- Are unaware of legal consequences
- Do not understand health risks
- Blindly follow traditions
- Girls who drop out early are more at risk.
Social Pressure & Fear of Society
Families are scared of:
- Gossip
- Harassment
- “Character questions”
- Safety of girls
So they feel marriage is a “safe option.”
Cultural Practices
In many communities, early marriage is normalized. Festivals like Akshaya Tritiya often witness mass secret child marriages.
Safety Concerns
Due to rising crimes against women, some parents panic and marry daughters early, believing it offers protection.
Also Read: Dowry Deaths in India: A Lingering Tragedy Despite Laws and Reform
Impact of Child Marriage
Health Issues
Girls’ bodies are not fully developed. Early pregnancy results in:
- Anemia
- Hemorrhage
- Malnutrition
- Premature birth
- Infant death
- Maternal death
India’s teenage maternal mortality rate is still alarming.
Image: Child marriage
Loss of Education
Once married, girls drop out of school. Without education:
- No skills
- No income
- No independence
This leads to lifelong financial dependence.
Domestic Violence
Child brides face:
- Emotional abuse
- Physical violence
- Sexual violence
- Lack of freedom
Young minds are not prepared for forced responsibilities.
Economic Loss
Early marriage traps families in a poverty cycle.
Uneducated parents – uneducated children – unskilled work – poverty.
Psychological Trauma
Child brides suffer:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Identity loss
- Reduced self-esteem
Their childhood dreams are replaced with adult duties.
Legal Framework in India
- Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006
- Makes child marriage illegal
- Allows police to stop a child marriage
- Offenders can be jailed or fined
- The child can get the marriage annulled
POCSO Act
If physical relations occur with a girl under 18, it is statutory rape, even if marriage is performed.
Right to Education (RTE) Act
Free schooling up to 14 helps reduce early marriage.
Government Schemes
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
- Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
- Girls’ scholarship programs
These aim to educate and empower girls.
Real-Life Cases & Ground Reports
Case 1: Rajasthan
A 14-year-old girl was rescued hours before marriage after neighbors alerted child helplines.
Parents cited poverty and fear of harassment.
Case 2: Bihar
Mass child marriages were reported during a festival night when police presence was low.
Case 3: Maharashtra
Lockdown led to a rise in rural child marriages because monitoring agencies were inactive and online schooling stopped.
These cases show that while the law exists, enforcement struggles.
Global comparison
Countries in Africa and South Asia have similar challenges.
Niger, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal report high child marriage rates.
However, countries that invested in girls’ education successfully reduced child marriage drastically.
Expert Opinions
Experts believe:
- Poverty reduction
- Education
- Community-level awareness
- Strict monitoring
- Girl empowerment programs
… are the most effective long-term solutions.
Solutions: What Needs To Be Done
- Strengthen Law Enforcement
Police, teachers, and health workers must be trained to identify early signs.
- Support Girls’ Education
Scholarships, free bicycles, and school meals encourage school attendance.
- Change Mindsets
Awareness campaigns, community meetings, and counseling help challenge cultural norms.
- Economic Support to Families
If families are financially secure, they won’t rush into marrying daughters.
- Create Safe Spaces for Girls
Self-defense training, helplines, counseling centers.
- Reporting System
Childline 1098 must be strengthened for immediate rescue.
Final report:
Child marriage is not just a “social problem.” It is a human rights violation, a health crisis, a threat to gender equality, and a barrier to national development.
Ending it requires:
- Strong laws
- Educated families
- Empowered girls
- A society that values daughters
Only then can India truly progress.
Role of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj in Controlling Child Marriage:
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj plays a meaningful role in discouraging harmful social practices such as child marriage through His authentic, Vedic-based spiritual teachings. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj clearly explains that marrying off a child without maturity, understanding, or willingness is a grave injustice that often leads to lifelong suffering.
His sermons and writings emphasize that one must stay away from sinful customs and focus on the true devotion of the One Supreme God, which purifies the mind and naturally reduces support for wrong traditions. His followers, guided by strict maryada, actively oppose child marriage and spread awareness.
The book Way of Living, written by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, further explains how spiritual knowledge and Satbhakti can eliminate harmful traditions. Read the book Way of living written by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj.
FAQS: CHILD MARRIAGE: INDIA’S HIDDEN CRISIS THAT CONTINUES DESPITE MODERNIZATION
Q. What is child marriage?
Marriage of a girl below 18 or a boy below 21.
Q. Why does child marriage happen?
Poverty, gender bias, lack of education, safety fears, cultural traditions.
Q. Is child marriage legal in India?
No. It is illegal under PCMA 2006.
Q. What are the main dangers?
Health risks, early pregnancy, domestic violence, school dropout, mental trauma.
Q. Which states show high numbers?
Rajasthan, Bihar, UP (Uttar Pradesh), MP (Madhya Pradesh), WB (West Bengal), Maharashtra, Jharkhand.
Q. How can we stop child marriage?
Education, awareness, strict laws, financial support, reporting.
Q. Can a child marriage be annulled?
Yes. It can be annulled legally under PCMA.
