Why in news?
Recently, 2011 Census figures for marriages was released, which show a dismal state of affairs on Child Marriages. In addition, every other day, some victimisation/rescue story is published in local and national dailies.
What do the statistics say?
Why is the picture so dismal?
The reasons include complex interwoven mesh of social practices, religious traditions, economic factors and deep-seated prejudices.
Why should we be concerned about this issue?
Simply because it affects the girl, our society and world as a whole.
Early marriages have an adverse impact on girls. Let's see how:
Aren't we doing anything about it?
Yes we are. (a lot on papers, atleast!)
What more needs to be done?
Recently, 2011 Census figures for marriages was released, which show a dismal state of affairs on Child Marriages. In addition, every other day, some victimisation/rescue story is published in local and national dailies.
What do the statistics say?
- Child marriages in Girls:
- Overall - 1 in 6 marry at <18 years
- In some backward states - almost 1 in 2 marry
 |
| Source: Indian Express |
Why is the picture so dismal?
The reasons include complex interwoven mesh of social practices, religious traditions, economic factors and deep-seated prejudices.
- Poverty and/or large family --> presumed dearth of jobs for women + even if she works, would not earn well + one day has to be part of another family --> so, why invest in her education --> marry her off quickly
- Old Traditions / superstition / prescribed by religious scriptures --> taken as an obligatory practice ---> relevance hardly questioned --> used as a way of doing away with responsibility of the child as early as possible
- Lack of awareness, sensitisation and education --> mindset difficult to change
- Belief --> early marriages ensure better child bearing capacity
- Strong belief in caste system + anxiety about future --> difficult to find a suitable match at a later age --> as soon as a good match is found --> marriage!
- Insecurity:
- Increasing crime against women --> marriage as a means to provide security + to protect 'honour' of the family
- High disaster incidence populations (due to drought, flood, etc.) --> go for early marriages in better off families to ensure security to children against hunger, poverty,etc.
- Trafficking --> of children from poorer, highly populated states going on rampantly --> gives a push to early marriages
Why should we be concerned about this issue?
Simply because it affects the girl, our society and world as a whole.
 |
| Source: GirlsNotBrides.org |
Early marriages have an adverse impact on girls. Let's see how:
 |
| Source: GirlsNotBrides.org |
Aren't we doing anything about it?
Yes we are. (a lot on papers, atleast!)
- Intl Conventions: which help in dissuading child marriages
- Convention on Right of Child - defines a child as <18
- UDHR (Universal Declaration of Human Rights) - marriage only with free and full consent
- CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women) - betrothal and marriage - no legal effect - till min age
- Many treaties etc.
- Sarda Act - Child Marriage Restraint Act
- By Britishers - efforts of Harbilas Sarda
- Repealed - 2006 ---> Child Marriage act
- Child Marriage Act
- Non-bailable, congnizable offence
- up to 2 lakh fine
- Any person - who promotes such marriage, or fails to prevent - imprisonment up to 2 years
- Duties of Child Marriage Prohibition Officer:
- Counselling of residents of locality
- Under IPC - below 18 - rape
- But doesn't cover sexual intercourse in case of child marriage
- Related Polices or Schemes:
- National Population Policy 2000
- Promotes delayed marriage for girls
- Nat Policy for Empowerment of women 2001
- Recognises the need of men and women - to suitable address the issues of early marriage and eliminate chold marriage by 2010
- Nat Youth Policy 2003
- Sensitise adoloscents wrt correct age of marriage
- Conditional cash transfer schemes:
- Cash only if marriage after 18
- Dhanlakshmi
- Birth registration, immunisation, school up to 8th ---> Money + insurance cover if unmarried till 18
- SABLA - Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls (RGSEAG)
- IGMSY - Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana (IGMSY)
- covers girls irrespective of age
- NEW ONES:
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
- Sukanya Samriddhi account
What more needs to be done?
- Should be given right to get their marriage declared void
- if marriage at <16 - Law Commission's suggestion
- Registration of marriages should be made compulsory
- Setting up special police cells
- Parents, Community elders, religious authorities - convince them
- Training for vigilance to Child Marriage Prevention Officers
- Anti-trafficking committees
- Other solutions:
- Gender Sensitisation programs
- Collaboration with local administration and NGOs
- Awareness campaigns
- Better governance and law&order
- Community participation and dialogue
- (Many more can be generated)
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