India child marriage rates decline but regional disparities persist

On International Girl Child Day, experts and organizations have issued warnings regarding the persistence of child marriage in India, despite a significant decline in national rates. While the prevalence of child marriage in India has dropped from over 50 percent in 1996 to approximately 20 percent, one in five girls is still married before the age of 18.

Data from UNICEF and the government indicate that more than half of the country's child marriages occur in five specific states: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. In contrast, regions like Kerala and Lakshadweep have shown significant progress in reducing these numbers.

UNICEF India Representative Cynthia McCarfrey emphasized that the theme for this year, ‘End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights’, calls for sustained investment in adolescent girls' education, health, and skill development. Experts note that while national averages are improving, significant disparities remain between rural and urban areas and across different states. Addressing the issue requires not only legal enforcement but also social shifts to ensure girls can participate in decision-making and access economic opportunities.