Monday, 16 October 2023 | MANSI BHAMBRI | DEHRADUN
Despite the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006, child marriages continue to persist in the State. According to the reports of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS 2019-2021), it has been observed that nationally, 23.3 percent of women between the ages of 20-24 were married off before turning 18. In comparison, Uttarakhand has reported a rate of 9.8 percent for women in the same age group who were married before the age of 18 years. Experts emphasised that the proper implementation of the law and raising awareness can effectively prevent child marriages in the State.
Commenting on the issue, State coordinator of Bachpan Bachao Andolan Suresh Uniyal said, “The prevalence of child marriage continues to be a concern in the State. Factors like poverty, societal acceptance and the security of girls contribute to parents in the State opting for child marriage of their daughters. Further, a lack of access to education remains a significant cause of child marriage in the State.”
He further said that child marriage has a detrimental impact on society. This is evident from the increase in childbirth death rates in the State associated with child marriages. Additionally, the prevalence of child marriages also leads to a higher likelihood of malnourished children in the future. To address this issue, it is crucial to raise awareness at all levels in the State, he added.
The country head of Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation, Ravi Kant told this correspondent that it is a fact that child marriage continues to exist in the nation. The NFHS report indicates that the rate of child marriage in Uttarakhand is also on the rise. Improper enforcement of laws, social acceptance, security concerns and poverty contribute to the increasing instances of child marriage in the State, he said.
Kant further said that child marriage affects not only the future of society but also has adverse consequences for the individuals involved. Early marriage can have detrimental effects on the health of young girls. Additionally, child marriage contributes to other crimes in the State like child trafficking, he added.
“To combat the issue of child marriage, it is imperative to raise awareness on a large scale. Apart from this, rather than offering free education to children only until the age of 14 years, the government should extend this provision till the age of 18 years, particularly for girls,” said Kant.
