CHILD MARRIAGE
Child marriage is a human rights violation. Despite laws against it, the practice remains widespread because of persistent poverty and gender inequality. It can be seen across the country but it is far higher in the central and western parts of India, & more in rural areas.
Both girls and boys are affected by child marriage, but girls are affected in much larger numbers and with greater intensity.
WHY DOES CHILD MARRIAGE HAPPENS ?
- Child marriage is a traditional practice in many parts of the country and it continues to happen because it has happened for generations in their community. People feel that the traditions and norms are stronger than the law ( Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006 ).
- Limited education opportunities, lack of transport and therefore concerns about girls’ safety while travelling to school significantly contribute to keeping girls out of school and therefore tend to favour child marriage.
- Despite the fact that dowry has been prohibited for five decades ( Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 ), it is still a common practice in India and it ( dowry amount ) increases with the age and the education level of the girl . Hence, the system of dowry perpetuates child marriage.
- Child marriage can increase in humanitarian crises ( ex: conflict or after a natural disaster ). When families face even greater hardship, they may see child marriage as a coping mechanism in the face of poverty and violence.
- Law enforcement to prohibit child marriage is relatively weak in India and other countries.
DISADVANTAGES OF EARLY MARRIAGE
- Responsibility has to be shouldered at a very young age. One has to take on household responsibilities, child rearing responsibility, etc. And a child at this young age can rarely bear the burden of these much responsibilities independently.
- One major setback of child marriage is that it deprives children of access to education and thereby better opportunities in future, as they have to take on the responsibilities of family budget.
- Health also can get affected as early pregnancy can have a negative impact on overall health primarily for women.
INITIATIVES TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA TO CURB CHILD MARRIAGE
- The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 makes it illegal for girls to marry under 18 years and for boys under 21 years.
- Child marriage is a punishable offence with a fine up to Rs 100,000, or up to two years of imprisonment, or both. It is a non-cognizable and non-bailable offence.
- Dowry was prohibited in 1961 by the Dowry Prohibition Act, with a fine up to INR 15,000, or the dowry amount, whichever is higher, and imprisonment for between six months and five years.
- Other laws that may provide protection to a child bride include the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, the Domestic Violence Act, 2005, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.
