In Rajasthan, girls & boys marry before legal age: Govt survey

Rajasthan is the only state in the country where the mean age at marriage for boys and girls is lower than the legal age at marriage. Acknowledging the deep-rooted custom of child marriages in the state, the latest data of annual health survey (AHS) indicates that nearly one-fourth of girls are getting married before reaching the age of 18 years whereas the average age for boys stand at 20.7 years.

With female mean age at marriage in Rajasthan is 17.7 years, every fourth girl in rural areas are getting married before attaining the age of 18. "If we look at the statistics and compare it to the previous years, it has fallen down drastically. From 58.4% in last decade, we have come down to almost 22%. But there is still a lot of work that needs to be done. Rajasthan still figures among the top ranks in child marriage," said a senior official from UNICEF.

Despite several attempts of the state government, the evil practice is widely prevalent in the state. Among all the districts, the percentage of child marriages in Bhilwara (54), Rajsamand (42), Bundi (38.4), Jhalawar (36.6) and Dausa (34.6) are the highest in the state. Experts claims that dominant caste politics is a major reason for such wedlocks going unabated in these parts of the state.

"Caste panchayats are quite strong in Rajasthan and constitute a large vote base for the politicians. It plays a major role in child marriages, especially in rural areas. If leaders decide that child marriage will take place, then it becomes very difficult for the administration to stop it," said Yogesh of Vikalp, a Jodhpur-based NGO.

However, defying the old custom, some communities in the state have come forward pledging against the social evil. Bairwa community in Tonk district declared not to engage in any activity of child marriage in their caste panchayat. Similar announcements were made by the Sen community in Dooni of Tonk district.

"We are getting results, though the process is slow. There has been some awareness among people regarding the ill-effects of child marriage but to change a mindset is not an easy task," Yogesh added.

Focusing on Rajasthan, the Union government is preparing a national action plan to prevent child marriages. Along with the central government, the United Nations is also assisting Rajasthan in conducting a programme to promote women's leadership in politics and governance. It is aimed at equipping elected women representatives with knowledge and skills to participate in local governance so that they can stand against child marriages.