SOCIAL JUSTICE GAZETTE
Child Marriage Prevention Drive Intensifies in Rajasthan
Authorities identify 38 high‑risk districts for renewed crackdown, signalling stronger push toward enforcement and community intervention
Child Marriage Prevention Campaign
Rajasthan intensifies efforts across 38 identified high-risk districts
Campaign visualization: Rajasthan's child marriage prevention efforts (Source: Social Justice Department)
JAIPUR - In a significant escalation of efforts to eradicate child marriage, Rajasthan authorities have identified 38 districts as high-risk zones requiring intensified intervention. This renewed crackdown represents the state's most comprehensive effort to date, combining stricter enforcement with community-based prevention strategies.
The districts—primarily in the western and northern regions of the state—have been flagged based on historical data, socio-economic indicators, and recent incident reports. The state government's multi-pronged approach includes increased police vigilance, community awareness programs, and enhanced support systems for at-risk adolescents.
📊 Campaign at a Glance
High-Risk Districts: 38 identified across Rajasthan
Timeframe: 6-month intensive campaign (March-August 2025)
Key Strategy: Enforcement + Community Intervention
Target: Reduce child marriage incidents by 40% in target districts
The 38 High-Risk Districts
The identified districts span across Rajasthan, with concentrations in areas where child marriage prevalence has historically been higher. These include Barmer, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, and several districts in the Mewar region. The classification is based on a composite index considering:
- Incidence Data: Reported cases over the past 5 years
- Socio-economic Factors: Female literacy rates, poverty levels
- Cultural Indicators: Traditional practices and community norms
- Infrastructure: Access to education and adolescent services
Enhanced Enforcement Measures
The crackdown involves establishing special police cells in each district dedicated to preventing child marriages. These units will:
- Monitor wedding ceremonies during peak marriage seasons
- Respond rapidly to tip-offs from community informants
- Coordinate with child protection committees
- Utilise technology for surveillance and data analysis
District magistrates have been empowered to issue prohibitory orders when intelligence suggests planned underage marriages.
Community-Based Prevention
Recognizing that enforcement alone is insufficient, the campaign emphasizes community engagement:
- Training local youth as "child marriage prevention ambassadors"
- Engaging religious leaders to discourage underage marriages
- Establishing adolescent clubs in schools for awareness
- Providing economic incentives for families delaying marriage
This dual approach addresses both the symptom and root causes of the practice.
Strengthened Legal Framework
Rajasthan has amended its implementation of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2006) to include:
- Mandatory reporting by wedding service providers
- Stricter penalties for facilitators (priests, caterers, etc.)
- Fast-track courts for child marriage cases
- Protection and rehabilitation measures for rescued children
The legal amendments close previous loopholes that allowed the practice to continue.
District-Wise Action Plan
Each of the 38 districts has developed a tailored action plan addressing local specificities. While strategies vary, all plans include common elements:
| Intervention Type | Primary Districts | Implementation Timeline | Success Indicators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enhanced Surveillance | Barmer, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur | March - May 2025 | 30% reduction in reported cases |
| School-Based Programs | Udaipur, Banswara, Dungarpur | April - August 2025 | 80% school participation |
| Economic Incentives | Bikaner, Churu, Nagaur | May - December 2025 | 500+ families enrolled |
| Legal Awareness | All 38 districts | Ongoing | Community knowledge assessment |
| Helpline Expansion | Statewide | March 2025 | 50% increase in calls |
Table: District-wise implementation strategy for child marriage prevention campaign
For Competitive Exam Aspirants
This topic is crucial for exams like UPSC, RPSC, and other state PSCs. Below are Previous Year Questions (PYQs) and key notes to help your preparation.
📝 Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
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"Discuss the socio-economic factors contributing to the persistence of child marriage in India. What measures have been taken by the government to address this issue?" (UPSC Mains 2022)
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"Analyze the effectiveness of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 in curbing child marriages. Suggest amendments to make it more effective." (RPSC Mains 2023)
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"Compare and contrast the approaches of enforcement versus community engagement in preventing child marriage. Which approach is more sustainable in the Indian context?" (UPPSC 2021)
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"Child marriage is not just a social evil but also a violation of human rights. Elaborate with reference to constitutional provisions and judicial pronouncements." (MPPSC 2023)
📌 Key Notes for Aspirants
Important Points to Remember:
- Legal Framework: Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2006) sets marriageable age as 18 for women, 21 for men. Know key provisions and punishments.
- Constitutional Provisions: Articles 15(3), 21, 23, 24, 39(f), and 45 provide basis for child protection.
- National Action Plan: Government's National Action Plan for Children (2016) includes specific targets for reducing child marriage.
- SDG Connection: Target 5.3 of Sustainable Development Goals aims to eliminate child marriage by 2030.
- Role of NGOs: Organizations like UNICEF, Nanhi Kali, and Breakthrough work on awareness and prevention.
- State Initiatives: Rajasthan's latest drive follows similar successful models in states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
- Judicial Pronouncements: Important cases: Laxmi Mandal vs Deen Dayal (2010), Independent Thought vs Union of India (2017).
- Data Points: As per NFHS-5, Rajasthan's child marriage rate is 25.4% (national average: 23.3%).
- Economic Impact: Child marriage perpetuates poverty cycle, reduces female labor force participation.
- Health Consequences: Higher maternal mortality, infant mortality, and malnutrition among child brides.
20 MCQs | 30 minutes | Instant evaluation
📈 Statistical Data for Answers
| Indicator | Rajasthan | National Average | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Marriage (Women 20-24 married before 18) | 25.4% | 23.3% | NFHS-5 |
| Female Literacy Rate | 57.6% | 70.3% | Census 2011 |
| Adolescent Pregnancy (15-19 years) | 6.4% | 6.8% | NFHS-5 |
| School Dropout (Girls, secondary) | 18.2% | 15.1% | UDISE+ 2021-22 |
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite the comprehensive approach, challenges remain. Deep-rooted social norms, economic pressures, and limited enforcement capacity in remote areas continue to hinder progress. However, the current campaign represents a significant shift from purely punitive approaches to more holistic, community-involved strategies.
The success of this intensified drive will be closely monitored, with results expected to inform national policy. If effective, Rajasthan's model could be adapted for implementation in other states with high child marriage prevalence.
This is a developing story. The Social Justice Gazette will provide updates as the campaign progresses and data becomes available.
