Child marriage – A BURDEN

Child marriage is one the biggest social issues in our society. The prohibition of child marriage act was passed in 2006 by the government. But does that means it is effective in fully eradicating the practice of child marriage? NO, child marriage is still very much prevalent in many of the backward areas. Children are being forced into a relationship at such a small age, when they don't even know what the true significance of a marriage is. It is being estimated that around 140 million girls will become brides from 2011 to 2020 worldwide. In India as per the data available from 2007-08, the percentage of women who were married before the age of 18 was highest in Bihar (68.2 per cent) 

Girl child is the major sufferer in this relationship. At an age when the girl herself needs someone to take care of her, she is being burdened with responsibilities of bearing a child. Most of these girls go through health risks due to pregnancy and according to the facts most of deaths of girls (between 15-19 yes) is due to pregnancy.  Education is another critical issue as once these girls get married, they are not allowed to pursue education further. These girls are treated merely as a property, they don't have any say in any of the matters. According to law Child marriage is an offense but once being practised it is considered to be valid. According to the present provision those who are involved in child marriage act, gets 3 months imprisonment and a certain amount of fine. But is this punishment enough to stop child marriage cases?  We really need to take more serious steps to put an end to this practice before more lives are being destroyed. The most essential step is spreading awareness among people, parents need to understand the harmful consequences of early child marriage. They don’t have any rights to snatch away their children’s childhood like this. Marriage is really a big deal and one needs to be mature enough to handle the responsibilities which comes up with such relationships. Most importantly educating girls would help them in tackling with such issues as they would be more aware of their basic social rights. Also stricter Punishments are required for child marriage acts. Government alone can’t stop this practice, people also need to participate and help government in implementing various programmes.
STOP CHILD MARRIAGES, SAVE CHILDHOOD!
 

-      - Anshika agarwal