The recent announcement by the Women and Child Development Minister, highlighting the prevention of nearly two lakh child marriages in the past year, is a significant milestone in India’s ongoing battle against this deeply entrenched social evil. However, the stark reality that one in five girls in India is still married before reaching the legal age of 18 underscores the enormity of the challenge that lies ahead. Launching the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat campaign is a commendable step towards addressing this issue. Still, it requires a concerted effort from all sections of society to achieve the desired results.
Child marriage is not just a violation of human rights; it is a practice that severely limits the potential of millions of girls, subjecting them to a life of premature caregiving, denying them the joys of youth, and often leading to a cycle of poverty and illiteracy. The Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat campaign aims to reduce child marriage rates to below 5% by 2029, focusing on seven high-burden states—West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Tripura, Assam, and Andhra Pradesh—and nearly 300 high-burden districts where child marriage rates are significantly higher than the national average.
The success of this campaign hinges on a multi-faceted approach that goes beyond legislation. While laws like the Prevention of Child Marriage Act are crucial, they alone cannot eradicate this practice. Raising awareness and changing societal attitudes are equally important. Launching the Child Marriage-Free Bharat portal is a step in the right direction, providing a platform to raise awareness, report cases, and monitor progress. However, the real change will come when communities themselves take ownership of this issue and work towards creating an environment where every girl can grow, learn, and thrive.
Education plays a pivotal role in preventing child marriages. Schemes like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, Samagra Shiksha, and the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana have been instrumental in improving girls’ access to education and ensuring their financial future. The introduction of the National Education Policy, 2020, and scholarships for disadvantaged groups are creating opportunities for girls to realize their potential. However, more must be done to ensure these initiatives reach the most vulnerable sections of society.
Cultural norms and patriarchal attitudes continue to pose significant challenges. Programs like Nari Adalats, gender-inclusive communication guides, and safe-city projects under the Nirbhaya Fund aim to address these issues and ensure the safety and security of women and girls. Changing deep-seated cultural norms requires sustained efforts and the involvement of all stakeholders, including religious and community leaders, educators, and policymakers.
The government’s commitment to making India child marriage-free by 2047 aligns with the vision of a developed India. However, achieving this vision requires the full participation of women and girls in nation-building. Empowering girls through education, financial security, and health measures is crucial. Still, it is equally important to create an enabling environment where they can exercise their rights and make informed choices about their lives.