India shows progress on child marriage, but millions remain vulnerable

India has implemented various measures to combat child marriage over recent years, including stricter enforcement of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act and expanded educational initiatives targeting vulnerable communities. Government data and non-governmental organisations tracking the issue acknowledge these efforts have yielded measurable results in certain states and urban centres. However, experts emphasise that progress remains uneven across the country, with significant gaps in implementation and persistent social factors driving the practice.

The persistence of child marriage stems from multiple interconnected factors, including poverty, lack of educational access, entrenched social norms, and limited enforcement mechanisms in remote areas. Girls from marginalised communities and those in economically disadvantaged households face disproportionately higher risks. Several states continue to record elevated incidence rates despite legal prohibitions, indicating challenges in translating policy into practice.

Child development organisations and rights advocates have called for a multi-pronged approach combining legislative reform, community engagement, and targeted interventions in high-risk districts. Experts stress that addressing root causes such as economic vulnerability and gender inequality is essential to achieving sustainable reductions. They also highlight the need for strengthened monitoring systems and greater investment in girl-child education and economic empowerment programmes to protect millions of girls still at risk.