India's National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) identified over 1.1 million children at risk of child marriage in 2023-24.
The commission intervened through various measures to prevent these marriages, including family counseling, school reintegration efforts, and collaboration with law enforcement.
Globally, 1 in 5 girls are married or in a union before reaching the age of 18. - UN ( United Nations)
In certain countries, this alarming number doubles to nearly 40%.
Awareness campaigns reached over 12 million people across the country. States like Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh emerged as frontrunners in tackling child marriage.
The NCPCR report highlighted challenges in data collection and enforcement in some regions.
The report also acknowledged the deeply ingrained cultural practices in certain areas that make eradicating child marriage a complex issue.
NCPCR Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo urged state authorities to prioritize the fight against child marriage and continue implementing effective district-level strategies.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration between central and state governments for successful implementation of child welfare policies, particularly regarding awareness creation and legal enforcement.
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