How many child marriages happen each year in India?

Estimates suggest that each year, at least 1.5 million girls under 18 get married in India, which makes it home to the largest number of child brides in the world – accounting for a third of the global total. Nearly 16 per cent adolescent girls aged 15-19 are currently married.

What percent of marriages in India are child marriages?

A 2015-2016 UNICEF report estimated that India’s child marriage rate is 27%. The Census of India has counted and reported married women by age, with proportion of females in child marriage falling in each 10 year census period since 1981.

Where is child marriage most common in India?

Uttar Pradesh is home to the largest population of child brides, with 36 million. characteristics. Girls who live in rural areas or come from poorer households are at greater risk, and a higher proportion of child brides are found among those with little or no education.

What is the percentage of child marriage in India 2021?

The country context While it is illegal for girls under the age of 18 to marry in India, estimates suggest that at least 1.5 million girls under age 18 get married in India each year. Nearly 16 per cent of all adolescent girls aged 15–19 are currently married.

Why is child marriage so high in India?

Child Marriage On The Rise In India During The Pandemic : Goats and Soda Local sources say there’s been a spike in child marriage during the pandemic. A key reason: By marrying off girls early, poor families have one less mouth to feed in desperate times.

What is status of child marriage in India?

Child marriage prevalence is generally defined as the percentage of women 20-24 years old who were married or in union before age 18. India is estimated to have over 24 million child brides. 40% of the world’s 60 million child marriages take place in India according to the National Family Health Survey.

What is the main cause of child marriage?

Gender inequality, social norms, perceived low status of girls, poverty, lack of education, safety concerns about girl children and control over sexuality are considered to be reasons for prevalence of child marriages.

Why is child marriage a problem in India?

The problem of child marriage in India remains rooted in a complex matrix of religious traditions, social practices, economic factors and deeply rooted prejudices. Regardless of its roots, child marriage constitutes a gross violation of human rights, leaving physical, psychological and emotional scars for life.

What are the causes of child marriage in India?

Gender inequality, social norms, perceived low status of girls, poverty, lack of education, safety concerns about girl children and control over sexuality are considered to be reasons for prevalence of child marriages. Girl children in rural areas are more affected than their urban counterparts.

Who removed child marriage in India?

The Act got named after Harbilas Sarda, a judge and Arya Samaj member. The Sharda Act went into effect on April 1, 1930. Sharda Act is related to prohibiting marriage for girls under the age of 14 and boys under 18.