Child Marriage

04.12.2025

Child Marriage

Context
Recent parliamentary statistics reveal a sharp escalation in child marriage cases across Madhya Pradesh, marking a 47% rise since 2020. The year 2025 is particularly alarming, with Damoh district emerging as a major hotspot, recording the highest number of cases (538) reported statewide in the last five years.

Understanding Child Marriage Hotspots in Madhya Pradesh

Child marriage hotspots are specific geographic pockets where the prevalence of early marriage is significantly higher than the state average. In Madhya Pradesh, such clusters are concentrated mainly in the Bundelkhand region, the Gwalior – Chambal belt, and several tribal-dominated districts. These areas share common vulnerabilities, persistent poverty, low literacy rates, entrenched social customs, and limited access to welfare schemes & making them more susceptible to the continuation of this harmful practice.

Rising Incidence and Geographic Patterns

• The trajectory of child marriage cases in Madhya Pradesh demonstrates a worrying upward pattern. Despite state-led awareness campaigns and community interventions, the number of cases documented each year has risen steadily. In 2020, 366 incidents were officially recorded; by 2025, the figure had surged to 538.
• At the district level, the surge is even more striking. Damoh district has shown an unprecedented escalation, contributing nearly 21% of all incidents reported in the state in 2025. The district witnessed a dramatic rise from 33 cases in 2024 to 115 in 2025. This steep increase highlights how deeply ingrained socio-economic challenges continue to undermine child protection norms.
• Furthermore, the concentration of cases in impoverished rural belts underscores a strong relationship between economic deprivation and the perpetuation of early marriage. Regions marked by low household income, limited educational opportunities, and poor infrastructure remain the most vulnerable.

Underlying Drivers of Prevalence

Multiple social, economic, and cultural factors intersect to sustain child marriages in hotspot regions:

1. Economic Distress: Severe poverty forces families to view early marriage as a means to reduce financial burden or secure perceived economic stability.
    
2. Lack of Education: Low school enrollment and high dropout rates among girls make them more vulnerable to early marriage arrangements.
    
3. Cultural Norms and Patriarchy: Deep-rooted traditions and patriarchal structures often promote early marriage as a socially accepted practice.
    
4. Insufficient Awareness: Limited understanding of legal provisions and long-term consequences leads communities to continue the practice despite ongoing campaigns.
    
5. Weak Institutional Support: Social protection schemes often fail to reach remote or tribal populations, weakening the deterrent effect against child marriage.
    

Socio-Economic Implications of Increasing Child Marriages

• The rising trend carries long-term repercussions for both individuals and communities. Child marriage restricts the educational and economic mobility of young girls, reinforcing cycles of poverty. Once married, girls are often forced to leave school, limiting their opportunities for skill development and formal employment. This not only diminishes their economic independence but also affects overall community development.
• The practice deepens gender inequality by confining young girls to domestic roles at an early age. Over time, these limitations produce intergenerational disadvantages as children born to underage mothers often suffer from poor health outcomes and limited educational opportunities, perpetuating the cycle of deprivation.

Health and Safety Risks

• Early marriage exposes young girls to severe health challenges. Adolescent pregnancies significantly increase the risk of maternal mortality due to complications such as anemia, obstructed labor, and infections. The chances of premature births and low birthweight infants also rise.
• Additionally, married minors are more vulnerable to domestic violence. Limited legal awareness, societal pressures, and lack of access to support networks make it difficult for them to seek help or escape abusive situations. These health and safety concerns highlight why child marriage remains a critical public health and human rights issue.

Governance Gaps and Enforcement Challenges

• The steady rise in cases indicates shortcomings in the implementation of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006. Many local authorities, especially at the district and village levels, lack adequate resources and monitoring systems to identify and prevent early marriages.
• Though helplines, community vigilance committees, and awareness campaigns exist, they often fail to penetrate remote tribal regions or economically distressed belts. Social protection schemes like scholarships, financial assistance, and adolescent health programs also suffer from poor outreach, reducing their effectiveness.
• Furthermore, societal resistance and fear of backlash often discourage officials and community leaders from reporting or stopping child marriages, leading to under-enforcement of laws.

Strategies for Targeted Intervention

Addressing child marriage in hotspot regions requires a multi-dimensional strategy:

1. Strengthening Legal Enforcement
    Local administrations need to enhance monitoring mechanisms, ensure swift action under PCMA, and promote community reporting through confidential channels.
    
2. Expanding Educational Access
    Improving school infrastructure, providing transportation, and offering incentives for girls’ education can significantly curb dropout rates and delay marriages.
    
3. Economic Empowerment of Families
    Welfare schemes focused on poverty alleviation, skill development, and women’s employment must be expanded to vulnerable regions.
    
4. Community-Based Awareness Initiatives
    Partnering with local leaders, NGOs, and women’s groups can help change social attitudes and dismantle harmful cultural norms.
    
5. Improving Health Infrastructure
    Strengthening adolescent health services and counseling systems will support young girls and families in understanding the risks associated with early marriage.
    
6. Targeted Support for Tribal Regions
    Tailored interventions addressing cultural diversity, language barriers, and geographical isolation are essential for tribal communities.
    

Conclusion

The emergence of Damoh as a major child marriage hotspot underscores the urgent need for region-specific, data-driven interventions. The rising numbers reflect deeper socio-economic challenges that go beyond legal provisions. Combating this issue effectively requires a strong combination of enforcement, education, economic support, and community engagement. Only a comprehensive and sustained approach can reverse the trend and ensure that children, especially girls receive the protection, opportunities, and dignity they deserve.