About this Episode
Authorities in the Indian state of Assam say child marriages have fallen sharply in recent years. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reports that marriages involving girls under 18 dropped by 84 percent. Cases involving boys under 21 fell by 91 percent.
Government officials link the decline to stricter enforcement. Police increased operations against families and organisers arranging underage marriages. Authorities also expanded investigations and prosecutions.
Across India, child marriage has been declining for two decades. Data from the National Family Health Survey show that about 23 percent of women aged 20 to 24 were married before 18. In 2005, the share was about twice as high.
However, the situation varies widely across the country. Kerala and Himachal Pradesh report lower rates. Higher levels persist in states such as Bihar, West Bengal and Rajasthan. Poverty, limited education for girls and traditional expectations around early marriage continue to play a role.
Child marriage has long been restricted by law in India. The first national law dates back to 1929. Stronger legislation followed in 2006 with the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, which expanded enforcement powers.
International organisation UNICEF estimates that India still accounts for roughly one third of the world’s child brides. Even so, the long-term trend shows a steady decline.
