Child Marriages Persist Amid Rajasthan's Rural Backdrop

Despite legal prohibitions, child marriages continue in Rajasthan's rural areas, exemplified by two teenage sisters recently married in Bundi district. Teachers and local authorities appear powerless to halt this enduring tradition, often driven by socio-economic pressures. Some locals argue for modifying laws to reflect contemporary realities.

Despite longstanding legal prohibitions, the practice of child marriage persists in Rajasthan's rural regions. In the Bundi district's Hindoli area, two teenage sisters were recently united in matrimony, reflecting an enduring, controversial tradition. Teachers, aware of such incidents, often find themselves unable to intervene due to community pressures and the challenges in implementing the law.

Rani and Pinki (names changed for anonymity), aged 15 and 16, were wed with full celebrations in their native village of Hanuman ji Ka Jhopda. These girls, studying in classes 9 and 10 at a government school, returned to school bearing the telltale signs of marriage. Despite noticing, their teachers chose inaction, fearing community backlash and the futility of complaints after the fact.

Child marriages in Rajasthan are often driven by economic hardships and cultural norms. Villagers sometimes marry off younger daughters along with older siblings to save on expenses. While authorities keep an eye on such practices, enforcement remains inconsistent. Local leaders and some community members even call for changes to the Child Marriage Act, 2006, citing the continued schooling and future governmental employment of these young brides as positive outcomes of these early unions.

(With inputs from agencies.)