World · India Bureau
India grapples with persistent child marriage despite declining rates
While India has made progress in reducing child marriages, one in five minors are still wed before reaching adulthood, according to recent data. Globally, a girl is married off every three seconds, underscoring the scale of the challenge.
LSN India ·
India continues to struggle with child marriage despite gradual improvements in recent years, with significant disparities across states and between urban and rural areas. Current data indicates that approximately one in five minors in the country are married before turning 18, a practice that persists despite legal prohibitions and awareness campaigns.
The prevalence of underage marriages remains particularly acute in rural regions, where traditional customs and economic pressures continue to drive families toward early unions. Several states have reported higher incidence rates than others, reflecting varying levels of enforcement of child protection laws and differences in socioeconomic conditions.
On a global scale, the magnitude of the issue becomes even starker. According to international estimates, one girl is married before adulthood every three seconds worldwide, highlighting that child marriage remains a systemic challenge extending far beyond India's borders.
Experts attribute the persistence of child marriage in India to factors including poverty, limited access to education, and deeply embedded cultural practices. Efforts to combat the practice have included legislative measures, community engagement programs, and initiatives aimed at improving girls' education and economic opportunities in vulnerable regions.